American Airlines and Google announced on June 9, 2026, the largest publicly disclosed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificate agreement between an airline and a corporate customer. The multi-year deal covers 35 million gallons of SAF expected to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 300,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalent [1, 2].
Under the agreement, much of the SAF will be produced from waste feedstocks including used cooking oil and other waste fats, oils, and greases. Google will purchase SAF certificates to offset emissions from employee business travel, while American Airlines will buy physical SAF to directly reduce flight emissions [1, 2].
American Airlines has secured long-term SAF supply contracts with Valero Marketing and Supply Company tied to this agreement. Deliveries of SAF are planned through Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a choice influenced by Illinois’ SAF tax credit program [1, 2].
Jill Blickstein, American Airlines Chief Sustainability Officer, said, "Our industry-leading agreement with Google is a critical step forward in reducing emissions from our operations. By working with leaders like Google who share our commitment to innovation, we’re helping to grow demand for SAF and support the development of a stronger, more resilient market" [2].
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker commented on the deal, stating, "Illinois is proud to be at the forefront of the clean energy industry. This agreement demonstrates how our nation-leading SAF tax credit can bring industry leaders together as we work toward a more sustainable future. Through partnerships with innovators like American Airlines and Google, we’re strengthening Illinois’ role as a global aviation hub and accelerating the transition to cleaner energy" [2].
The SAF deliveries will begin as scheduled through Chicago O'Hare, helping both companies reduce the carbon footprint of their operations in the near term [2].
