Southwest Airlines Co. today announced a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply agreement with Valero Marketing and Supply Company to bring SAF to Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW). This is the largest announced SAF supply agreement in the state.

Under the two-year agreement, Southwest will purchase at least 3.6 million gallons of pure SAF (approximately 12 million gallons blended) for use in its operations as early as the fourth quarter of 2024, with the option to purchase up to 25 million gallons of pure SAF (approximately 84 million gallons mixed) during the term of the agreement.

On a blended basis, this would represent up to 35% of Southwest's aviation fuel from MDW, based on the airline's consumption last year.

Governor JB Pritzker said, “Since day one as governor, I have been committed to making Illinois a national leader in sustainability and clean energy, which is why last year I was proud to support a nation-leading SAF tax credit that we have already received.” They have been observed to have an impact on adoption rates in Illinois.

“Our airports are among the largest and most connected in the country, and I am thrilled that Southwest and Midway International Airport are working together to increase sustainable fuel consumption on their flights – a significant step toward a clean energy future.”

The pure SAF is expected to be produced from waste-based raw materials, including used cooking oil, animal tallow and distillery corn oil, with lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of approximately 74% to 84% compared to conventional jet fuel1.

In addition, the SAF is expected to be certified at the batch level through a CORSIA-recognized Sustainability Certification Scheme (SCS), providing independent verification that the SAF meets or exceeds all requirements of Southwest's SAF policy.

Diamond Green Diesel, a joint venture between a subsidiary of Valero and Darling Ingredients Inc., will supply the pure SAF, blended with Valero's conventional jet fuel and delivered via existing fuel delivery infrastructure, including the Explorer Pipeline and West Shore's Chicagoland pipeline network becomes .

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth said, “I commend Southwest Airlines for taking this significant step forward to provide the first supply of sustainable aviation fuel for its flights out of Midway International Airport.”

“One of the most important things we can do to make American aviation more sustainable is to dramatically increase SAF supply.

“At the federal level, I will continue to advocate for increasing the supply of U.S.-grown and manufactured SAF from a broad range of raw materials – a true win-win solution that supports local farmers and blenders while reducing our carbon footprint Reduced country's footprint.”

Commissioner Jamie L. Rhee of the Chicago Department of Aviation said: “As one of the busiest aviation systems in the world, it is critical that Chicago's airports work with our airline partners to create a cleaner, greener future for aviation to promote.”

“We are pleased that Southwest Airlines has chosen Midway International Airport to advance its commitment to sustainability through the use of SAF, and we applaud its leadership team for adopting innovative solutions that will benefit our community, travelers and the planet for years to come.” will benefit generations.” ”