Private aviation company Wheels Up has launched a new program to support the adoption and demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), offering its charter customers the option to contribute toward SAF purchases as part of their booking. These contributions will help fund Wheels Up’s procurement of SAF through Delta Air Lines, which is targeting SAF use for 10% of its fuel needs by 2030.

Delta is part of a consortium that owns 95 percent of Wheels Up, reinforcing the collaboration. SAF, a renewable jet fuel alternative derived from nonpetroleum feedstocks like food waste, algae, and used cooking oil, can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% and requires no aircraft engine modifications thanks to its “drop-in” compatibility.

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Currently, SAF is too scarce for customers to request directly for flights. Instead, Wheels Up hopes that enabling passengers to help fund its procurement will stimulate demand and drive broader adoption. The company says such “market frameworks” will be key to scaling SAF production and affordability over time.

“As demand for ESG-conscious travel options grows, this initiative allows our customers to take meaningful steps toward reducing their carbon footprint, while reinforcing Wheels Up’s commitment to sustainable aviation,” said Jill Greer, executive VP of investor relations and sustainability.

The program will be powered by Choose, a sustainability software platform already in use by Delta, Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, and Flexport for similar SAF initiatives.

Delta, for its part, has spent years building SAF supply, locking in offtake agreements that total commitments of 200 million gallons. The airline is also supporting legislative efforts to improve SAF cost accessibility.