Massachusetts Marks 1st Barge Delivery of SAF to Boston Logan International Airport

The Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) joined Delta Air Lines, elected officials, Shell Aviation and aviation stakeholders Oct. 29 to mark a major milestone in sustainable aviation with the first barge delivery of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to Massachusetts.

The delivery to Boston Logan International Airport marks an important step toward expanding access to cleaner aviation fuel, reducing greenhouse-gas emissions and supporting innovation in the commonwealth.

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“By expanding the use of sustainable aviation fuel, we’re taking an important step toward reducing emissions and protecting our environment,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “This is about embracing new technologies and building a cleaner, healthier transportation system for the communities we serve, especially those living near our airports. I’m grateful to Rich Davey and his team at Massport for their continued leadership and commitment to finding new ways to improve transportation for residents and visitors alike.”

The delivery arrived at the Boston airport in late October.

It was coordinated by Delta Air Lines and Shell Aviation and included more than 1 million gallons of blended SAF.

The fuel has been introduced into the airport’s supply, which serves all the airlines operating at Logan.

The milestone follows the governor’s signing of the commonwealth’s SAF tax credit into law this past June, an initiative designed to encourage the use of SAF and support Massachusetts’ climate goals.

SAF is a lower-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel that can be used in existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure.

Depending on how it is produced, SAF can reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by up to 80 percent compared to conventional jet fuel.

“Expanding access to SAF is essential to achieving the aviation industry’s long-term decarbonization goals,” said Charlotte Lollar, the director of SAF and emissions at Delta Air Lines. “This milestone demonstrates what can be accomplished when airlines, SAF suppliers, airports and policymakers work together to strengthen SAF supply chains and create the conditions needed to scale adoption. We appreciate Gov. Healey and Massport for their leadership and partnership in advancing solutions that support a more sustainable future for aviation.”

The commonwealth’s SAF tax credit provides an incentive ranging from $1.50 to $2 per gallon, depending on the greenhouse-gas emissions reductions, with an annual cap of $10 million.

The initiative is intended to help address the higher costs associated with SAF and encourage greater adoption by airlines operating throughout Massachusetts.

“Boston Logan plays a vital role in our region’s economy, and it’s important that we continue finding innovative ways to make aviation more sustainable,” said Nick Collins, a state senator. “The arrival of SAF is an important step toward reducing aviation’s environmental footprint while supporting the future of the airport. Thank you to Massport and Delta for advancing solutions that support both the economy and the communities surrounding Logan.”

Adrian Madaro, a state representative, added, “For East Boston residents, who live and work alongside Logan Airport every day, efforts to reduce aviation’s environmental impact are especially important. This major achievement is a positive step toward a more sustainable future for aviation, while recognizing the importance of protecting the health and quality of life of our surrounding communities. I applaud Massport and its partners for continuing to invest in cleaner technologies that benefit both the airport and its neighbors.”

Massport has also played a leading role in advancing SAF by creating the Massachusetts SAF Working Group, a collaboration of state agencies focused on expanding the production, supply and adoption of SAF across the region.

In 2025, the group released a series of recommendations to the governor aimed at positioning the commonwealth as a leader in SAF.

“At Massport, we’re committed to finding innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact while continuing to connect New England to the world,” said Massport CEO Rich Davey. “The Healey administration has been supportive of the SAF Working Group and laying the groundwork for expanding access to SAF across the commonwealth. The first SAF barge is an exciting example of what we can accomplish through collaboration with our legislature, Delta and our aviation partners as we work toward a more sustainable future.”

As an interchangeable fuel alternative to traditional jet fuel, SAF can be blended with conventional fuel and used without major modifications to existing aircraft or airport infrastructure.

Expanding the availability of SAF is a key component of efforts to reduce emissions from aviation while supporting the development of alternative fuel-supply chains.

The milestone also reflects ongoing collaboration among Massport, the commonwealth, airlines and members of the Massachusetts and New England SAF Hub to advance SAF adoption and position the region for continued innovation and investment.

Earlier this year, Massport accelerated its goal of achieving net-zero emissions from 2031 to 2028, three years ahead of the original target.

“Our net-zero goals focus on Massport’s own operations, but we know there’s a much bigger picture when it comes to aviation,” Massport stated. “This is where innovations like SAF come in. Aviation environmental challenges will not be solved overnight, but this is exactly the kind of progress we want to see, real solutions we can put to work today.”