Google has signed a long-term agreement with American Express Global Business Travel and Shell Aviation to continue sourcing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through the Avelia platform, as part of efforts to reduce emissions from air travel, ESGtoday reported.
The deal extends Google’s participation in the Avelia program, which it joined in 2023. The platform, launched in 2022, allows companies to support the use of SAF through a system where they can pay for cleaner fuel and claim its environmental benefits, even if it is not physically used on their specific flights.
The Avelia system was developed by Shell and Accenture with support from the Energy Web Foundation. It also brings together demand from thousands of corporate clients through Amex GBT’s travel management services.
Google said SAF plays a key role in reducing emissions from the aviation sector, where cutting carbon output remains a challenge. The company added that long-term agreements like this can help increase demand and availability of cleaner fuels.
Since its launch, the Avelia platform has been adopted by 66 companies and airlines and has helped reduce more than 590,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The partners have also expanded the platform to allow multiple fuel suppliers, moving away from reliance on a single provider. They are exploring a system that would let airlines manage their own SAF supplies through the platform, improving tracking and transparency.
Shell Aviation said continued support from companies like Google is important for building the market for sustainable aviation fuel and encouraging wider adoption across the industry.
