Alaska Airlines and Cosmo Oil Marketing Commit to Sustainable Aviation Fuel for Hawaiian Airlines’ Honolulu-Osaka Flights

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Airlines and Energy Groups Advance Sustainable Fuel Initiatives in Drive Toward Net Zero Emissions

WASHINGTON D.C. – August 30, 2025 – Major strides are being made in the aviation industry’s push toward environmental sustainability, with both the energy sector and leading airlines actively investing in and developing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). These efforts aim to drastically reduce carbon footprints and achieve enterprising net-zero emission goals.

Organization	Net-Zero Target	Key Initiatives
Cosmo Energy Group	2050	Establishing a supply chain for locally-made SAF; pilot program collecting used cooking oil for SAF feedstock.
Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines	2040	Investments in SAF, technology, and fleet modernization.

Cosmo Energy Group is actively building infrastructure to produce Japan’s first domestically sourced SAF.This involves establishing a thorough supply chain and piloting innovative collection programs, such as gathering used cooking oil from service stations to repurpose as SAF feedstock. This approach emphasizes a circular economy and reduces reliance on customary fossil fuels.

Did You Know? SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Alaska Airlines and hawaiian Airlines, both with long histories of connecting communities and enabling economic growth, are demonstrating a firm commitment to environmental stewardship. These carriers, recognized for their fuel efficiency, are pursuing net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 through a multi-pronged strategy. This includes meaningful investments in SAF, advancements in aviation technology, and ongoing modernization of their aircraft fleets.The airlines are aiming to lead the industry in sustainable practices.

Pro Tip: Consider supporting airlines that actively invest in SAF and sustainable practices when making travel plans.

These combined efforts signal a growing momentum toward a cleaner and more sustainable future for air travel. The drive for net-zero emissions is no longer a distant aspiration but an actively pursued strategy across the aviation and energy sectors.

The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact.Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is widely recognized as a key component in achieving net-zero emissions, offering a significant reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Beyond SAF, ongoing innovations in aircraft design, engine technology, and operational efficiencies will continue to play a crucial role in the industry’s sustainability journey. Government regulations and incentives are also likely to become more prominent, further accelerating the transition towards greener aviation practices.

Do you have further questions about SAF and the future of sustainable air travel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What specific feedstocks will Cosmo Oil utilize for SAF sourcing,and how do these choices impact the overall sustainability assessment of the fuel?

Alaska Airlines,cosmo Oil,and Hawaiian Airlines Pioneer Sustainable Aviation Fuel Route to Osaka

The Honolulu-Osaka Connection goes Green

A landmark agreement between Alaska Airlines,Cosmo Oil Marketing Co., Ltd., and Hawaiian Airlines is set to revolutionize transpacific travel with the introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on flights between Honolulu (HNL) and Osaka (KIX). this collaboration marks a significant step towards decarbonizing the aviation industry and reducing the environmental impact of air travel. The initiative, announced in late August 2025, will see Cosmo oil supply SAF to Hawaiian Airlines, facilitated by Alaska Airlines’ existing infrastructure and expertise in SAF handling.

Understanding the SAF supply Chain

The process isn’t simply about swapping jet fuel for a greener option. It involves a carefully orchestrated supply chain:

Sourcing: Cosmo Oil will be responsible for sourcing and supplying the SAF. Details on the specific feedstock used (e.g., waste oils, algae, agricultural residues) are crucial for assessing the true sustainability of the fuel.

Blending: SAF is typically blended with conventional jet fuel. Current regulations generally allow for a maximum blend of 50% SAF with traditional jet fuel, though this is evolving.

Logistics: Alaska Airlines plays a key role in the logistics, leveraging its experience in handling and delivering SAF to airports.This includes ensuring the fuel meets stringent quality standards.

delivery to Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines will then utilize the blended SAF to power its Honolulu-Osaka flights, directly reducing carbon emissions on this key route.

Why Honolulu-Osaka? A Strategic route for SAF Adoption

The selection of the Honolulu-Osaka route isn’t arbitrary.Several factors contribute to its suitability as a pilot program for SAF implementation:

High Demand: The route is a popular one for both business and leisure travelers, offering a ample possibility to reduce emissions on a frequently flown path.

Existing Infrastructure: Honolulu International airport (HNL) and Kansai International Airport (KIX) are well-equipped to handle SAF, minimizing the need for significant infrastructure upgrades.

commitment to sustainability: Both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have publicly stated commitments to reducing their carbon footprint, making this collaboration a natural extension of their existing sustainability initiatives.

Geographic Considerations: The route’s length and aircraft types commonly used make it a viable test case for assessing SAF performance and efficiency over a long-haul flight.

The Benefits of Sustainable Aviation fuel

Switching to SAF offers a multitude of environmental and economic advantages:

Reduced Carbon Emissions: SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. this is a critical step in mitigating the aviation industry’s contribution to climate change.

Lower Sulfur Emissions: SAF typically produces lower sulfur emissions, improving air quality around airports.

Support for Rural Economies: Many SAF feedstocks can be sourced from agricultural waste and residues, providing economic opportunities for rural communities.

Energy Security: Diversifying fuel sources with SAF can enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Potential for Job Creation: The growth and production of SAF can create new jobs in the renewable energy sector.

SAF Feedstock Options: A Closer Look

The sustainability of SAF hinges on the feedstock used to produce it. Here’s a breakdown of common options:

Waste Oils & Fats: Used cooking oil and animal fats are readily available and can be converted into SAF thru processes like Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA).

Agricultural Residues: Crop residues like corn stover and wheat straw can be gasified and converted into SAF.

Algae: Algae cultivation offers a promising pathway to SAF production, but it’s still in the early stages of development.

Municipal Solid Waste: Converting non-recyclable waste into SAF is another emerging technology.

Power-to-Liquid (PtL): using renewable electricity to produce hydrogen, which is then combined with captured carbon dioxide to create synthetic fuels. This is a carbon-neutral option, but currently expensive.

Alaska Airlines’ Role in pioneering SAF

Alaska Airlines has been a frontrunner in the adoption of SAF, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainable aviation practices.

First Commercial SAF Flight: Alaska Airlines operated the first commercial flight powered by 20% SAF in December 2022.

Investing in SAF Production: The airline has invested in SAF production facilities to secure a long-term supply of sustainable fuel.

Advocacy for Policy Support: Alaska Airlines actively advocates for government policies that incentivize SAF production and adoption.

Partnerships for Innovation: Collaborating with companies like Cosmo Oil and Hawaiian Airlines to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable aviation future.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Sustainability Goals

Hawaiian Airlines has set enterprising sustainability goals, including achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.This partnership with alaska Airlines and Cosmo Oil is a crucial step towards realizing that vision. The airline is also exploring other sustainability initiatives, such as:

Fleet Modernization: Investing in more fuel-efficient aircraft.

operational Efficiency: Optimizing flight routes and procedures to reduce fuel consumption.

Carbon Offsetting: Investing in projects that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Waste Reduction: Implementing programs to reduce waste generation on flights and at airports.