Los Angeles/ Weather & Environment
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Published on December 20, 2023
Long Beach Airport Fuels Green Travel with Sustainable Aviation Fuel InitiativeSource: City of Long Beach

Jet setters with a conscience can now fuel up in a way that's kinder to the planet, as Long Beach Airport announces the introduction of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its general aviation terminals. The environment-friendly choice is supplied by Atlantic Aviation, one of the primary service providers at Long Beach Airport (LGB), aiming to reduce the carbon footprint of flights that originate from their runways.

In a move lauded by local government officials, this initiative marks Long Beach's progressive outlook on environmental responsibility, with Mayor Rex Richardson affirming, "This initiative shows Long Beach’s commitment to sustainability and our collective efforts to build a future that is not just prosperous, but also environmentally responsible," according to a press release by the City of Long Beach. Atlantic Aviation has pledged to ensure a continuous supply of the green fuel to meet demand and underscore a broader move towards reduced emissions in aviation, and simultaneously eyeing other eco upgrades.

Eric Newman from Atlantic Aviation emphasized the aviation sector's duty to slash emissions, stating, "SAF is jet fuel, providing the most tangible near-term solution to make an impact on aviation emissions," in a statement obtained by the City of Long Beach. The company is set on becoming a forerunner in the adoption of SAF and other innovations that promote sustainability. The unblended version of this new fuel option is reported to cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent compared to traditional jet fuel.

Joining forces for a greener future, the airport's management and tenants are charting a course towards a sustainable horizon, with Airport Director Cynthia Guidry saying "This is a shared journey with our business partners at LGB, and together we are ensuring a more sustainable future for us all," as reported by the City of Long Beach. Infrastructure upgrades at Atlantic Aviation include a new hangar and office complex complete with a massive 1.1-million-kilowatt solar installation, projected to handle the energy demands of the entire facility.

Contributing to Long Beach Airport's environmental milestones, the airport is recognized with a Level 2 rating in the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program by the Airports Council International, a clear indicator of its ongoing commitment to carbon neutrality. LGB is no stranger to accolades, with recent nods from Condé Nast Traveler magazine and a vast array of services that cater to modern travelers; from diversely purposed buildings to tourist hotspots like the scenic beaches or the historical Queen Mary.