Shell & Accenture: Blockchain to Scale SAF in Air Freight
Flying cleaner is not just a dream but a rapidly ascending reality thanks to the innovation brought forward by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
SAF has the potential to slash aircraft CO₂ emissions by a staggering 80% in comparison to traditional jet fuels.
To put this into perspective, it could mean a significant cut of approximately 2% in global emissions across all sectors.
In 2018, air freight was responsible for nearly a fifth of all aviation emissions. Fast forward to 2023, and the volume of air cargo flights surged by 25%.
It’s clear that integrating SAF into supply chains could drastically enhance sustainability within the sector.
Introducing Avelia
Enter Avelia, a pioneering digital platform created through a collaboration between Shell and Accenture, with additional support from Amex Global Business Travel (Amex GBT).
Avelia’s mission is to facilitate access to SAF for airline operators and corporations seeking greener aviation solutions.
To date, the platform has facilitated the delivery of more than 18 million gallons of SAF.
This has resulted in the abatement of more than 165,000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions in business travel.
The platform has expanded to include Avelia Air Freight Solutions, broadening its scope to embrace the air freight realm.
Avelia is powered by blockchain technology, a system that ensures secure and transparent digital records.
"The high cost of SAF requires innovative solutions. By enabling the sharing of environmental attributes between physical SAF users and organisations seeking to meet their sustainability targets, Avelia creates a pathway for broader participation in aviation decarbonisation," says Raman Ojha, President of Shell Aviation.
"Avelia is now evolving to meet the air freight sector's need for solutions to demonstrate verified emissions reduction progress.
“Through enabling freight forwarders to access and allocate SAF environmental attributes to their shipping customers, both parties can access these attributes for emissions disclosure while supporting broader SAF adoption."
How Avelia is expanding SAF use
Designed as a blockchain-empowered booking system, Avelia facilitates detailed, fully traceable environmental data about SAF.
This system enables individuals, businesses and now freight providers to diminish their air travel emissions effectively.
Avelia disseminates the costs and benefits of SAF throughout the aviation sector. This model allows airlines to procure SAF at reduced prices and provides businesses eager to lessen their environmental impact with easier access to cleaner fuels.
This programme has captured the interest of many companies, including Google, Delta Air Lines, Bank of America, Rolls-Royce and Aon.
Raman says: “SAF is the only scalable in-sector solution for decarbonising aviation.
“At Shell Aviation, we are pleased to continue our relationship with Amex GBT through Avelia, helping to connect corporate travel demand with SAF supply.
“It is a great example of cross-value chain collaboration leading to the innovative platforms we need to progress the sustainable future of aviation.”
Paul Abbott, Amex GBT CEO, says: “Avelia’s growth is proof that corporate travel can play a pivotal role in scaling the sustainable technologies needed to address air travel emissions.
Avelia is delivering SAF across 13 global airport locations and has received recognition from more than 35 airlines and corporations participating in the programme.
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