Alaska Airlines and Neste grow innovative partnership to fly more sustainably

The joint effort will expand use of sustainable aviation fuels on Alaska aircraft to reduce GHG emissions

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Sep 10, 2018, 14:44 ET

SEATTLE, Sept. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of Alaska Airlines' ongoing efforts to fly greener and expand use of sustainable aviation fuels, Neste and Alaska have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). In addition to Alaska's efforts to increase fuel-efficiency and adopt innovative flight technology, the agreement will allow Neste and Alaska to more closely work together to design, create and implement solutions that lay the groundwork for the wider adoption of renewable fuels within the airline industry.

As the leading U.S. airline on the 2017 Dow Jones Sustainability Index, Alaska recognizes that the move toward sustainable aviation fuels will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce turbine emissions, and potentially provide other performance and operational benefits. The companies share the view that closer collaboration within the industry and with key partners will help create the "lift" necessary to help move aviation in the right direction.

"I am delighted to announce our collaboration with Alaska Airlines. We are forerunners in the area of renewable fuels: Neste as a producer, and Alaska as a pioneer in the testing of renewable jet fuel on commercial flights. By working together, we will find the best solutions to secure the success in reaching Alaska's goal to 'fly greener'," says Kaisa Hietala, Neste's Executive Vice President in Renewable Products business area.

"At Alaska Airlines, we strive to fly true—true to our values, and true to the beautiful places and communities we fly to," said Kirk Myers, Alaska Airlines Director of Sustainability. "We are proud to partner with Neste, the world leader in the production and advancement of renewable jet fuels, to support these efforts to fly more sustainably. This collaboration is another major step toward supporting the health of our communities and ecosystems."

Alaska, working with other airlines, is addressing the reality of climate change by adopting targets to mitigate CO2 emissions from air transport. The aviation industry has set ambitious targets to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from air transportation, including carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and beyond, and a 50 percent reduction of net aviation CO2 emissions by 2050 relative to 2005 levels.

In addition to the reduction of emissions and as part of its sustainability platform, Alaska is identifying operational efficiencies that will protect the environment. These include efficient aircraft design, optimized approach paths that reduce fuel use, in-cabin recycling and reduced paperwork and paper consumption. Alaska has a long history of pioneering innovative partnerships to lower impact, and this agreement is another positive step.

At present, the only viable replacement for fossil jet fuel as an energy source for commercial aviation is sustainable aviation biofuel. Neste MY Renewable Jet Fuel technology has been proven in thousands of commercial flights and can be easily adopted by airlines without the need for additional investments in new jet engines or segregated fuel distribution system. Partnerships between forward-thinking companies like Neste and Alaska will enable the airline industry to continue to connect the world, reduce greenhouse emissions, and ensure a healthy planet and future of flight.

Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates sustainable solutions for transport, business, and consumer needs. Our wide range of renewable products enable our customers to reduce climate emissions. We are the world's largest producer of renewable diesel refined from waste and residues, introducing renewable solutions also to the aviation and plastics industries. We are also a technologically advanced refiner of high-quality oil products. We want to be a reliable partner with widely valued expertise, research, and sustainable operations. In 2017, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 13.2 billion. In 2018, Neste placed 2^nd on the Global 100 list of the most sustainable companies in the world. Read more: neste.com

Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 44 million guests a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners, guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 900 destinations worldwide. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" in the J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study for 11 consecutive years from 2008 to 2018. Learn about Alaska's award-winning service at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).