FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 30, 2021

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(Los Angeles, CA) As Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) continues to make progress on its "Boldly Moving to Zero" Sustainability Action Plan, fixed-base operator Atlantic Aviation today announced it will begin using sustainable aviation fuel at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

This sustainable fuel, produced by World Energy and delivered by World Fuel Services, emits up to 80 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than conventional jet fuel. Atlantic Aviation, which supports private and charter flights at LAX, will initially use approximately 8 percent of its total jet fuel volume at LAX from sustainable sources, with plans to increase that amount over time.

"The use of sustainable aviation fuel is a key step toward reducing carbon emissions and improving the environment around our airports," said Justin Erbacci, Chief Executive Officer, LAWA. "LAWA is working with our partners to achieve our shared sustainability goals, and alternative aviation fuels are an important part of our efforts to become carbon neutral by 2045.”

 

Increased adoption of sustainable aviation fuel is an essential step toward LAWA achieving its goal of 100-percent carbon neutral operations at LAX and Van Nuys Airport (VNY), part of LAWA's "Boldly Moving to Zero" Sustainability Action Plan adopted in November 2019. Atlantic Aviation shares LAWA's goal of increasing access to sustainable and alternative aviation fuels, which is part of the company's Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance program.

 

"The inaugural delivery of sustainable aviation fuel in March this year represents the next step toward our long term commitment to renewable energy technology, specifically, those that reduce carbon emissions on our planet," said Tim Bannon, Chief Operating Officer, Atlantic Aviation.

Sustainable aviation fuel is formulated by mixing traditional kerosene-based jet fuel with sustainably sourced hydrocarbons from feedstock and waste oils such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, or other sources comprised of non-fossil-based carbon dioxide (CO2). The hydrocarbon emissions from sustainable aviation fuels are substantially lower than traditional jet fuel. Conventional jet engines can use this fuel without having to make any mechanical modifications to the aircraft.

LAWA introduced sustainable aviation fuel at VNY in January 2019, making it the first general aviation airport in the world to offer this type of fuel, with demonstration flights showcasing its effectiveness from aircraft manufacturers Gulfstream, Bombardier and Embraer. Since that time, LAWA has continued to advocate for broader industry adoption of sustainable aviation fuel through continued dialogue with stakeholders and government agencies at the local, state and federal levels.

Under LAWA's Boldly Moving to Zero plan, LAX and VNY will achieve net zero in the following areas by the year 2045: no potable water consumed for non-potable uses, zero carbon emissions from LAWA operations and zero waste. LAWA is also committed to using 100% renewable electricity by 2045. In accordance with the plan, LAWA has started these initiatives and policies:

• LAWA recently announced its membership in The Good Traveler, a program that offers guests the option to purchase offsets that negate the harmful effects of greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft.
• In February, VNY-based fixed-base operator Clay Lacy Aviation completed the installation of a 500-kilowatt solar array, capable of generating enough renewable power to offset the equivalent of 530 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2), the same amount of carbon dioxide generated by driving more than 1.3 million passenger miles in an average car. This improvement is part of LAWA and stakeholder-led efforts at VNY to become one of California's leading general aviation airports for solar energy generation. When complete, the entire project will produce an approximate combined total of 44.6 million kilowatt-hours annually – enough energy to power approximately 8,000 homes and reduce more than 73.3 million pounds of CO2 each year.
• In December 2020, LAWA and the Inglewood Unified School District announced the completion of sound insulation work at Woodworth-Monroe TK-8 Academy, the second of four schools that are part of LAWA's Sound Insulation Program. In addition to reduced noise, the insulated schools will also benefit from lower electricity consumption due to improved insulation, further reducing greenhouse gas emissions from heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• In September 2020, Airports Council International-Europe reaffirmed LAX and VNY airports' commitment to reducing their carbon footprints by continuing the Airport Carbon Accreditation for both airports at Level 3. This action recognizes LAWA's efforts to account for and reduce emissions made by LAWA-owned resources and those of businesses operating at LAX and VNY.
• In 2020, LAWA replaced 20 diesel-burning buses with 20 all-electric buses for guest conveyance across LAX airfields and between terminals. The new buses reduce LAWA's carbon footprint by 616,365 pounds of GHG per year while ensuring that guests enjoy comfortable, emissions-free rides.

About Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA)
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) is the City of Los Angeles department that owns and operates Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) general aviation airports, as well as aviation-related property in Palmdale. Both play an integral role in helping to meet the Southern California regional demand for passenger, cargo and general aviation service. Both airports make a distinct contribution to the strength of the system as it provides a high level of safety, security and service for its customers, communities and stakeholders. More information can be found at FlyLAX.com. As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.

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