FedEx has started using sustainable aviation fuel at two major U.S. cargo hubs, bringing SAF into daily operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Miami International Airport. The company said this is the first time a cargo airline has used SAF at O’Hare, and it plans to expand the fuel across more gateways as supply increases.
What’s Related
SAF is still a small part of the aviation fuel market, but FedEx has been trying to move more of its network toward cleaner fuel options. The company aims to use 30% alternative fuels by 2030 and says customer demand for lower-carbon shipping continues to grow, especially among large retailers and manufacturers.
How Chicago and Miami fit in
Air cargo is crucial for industries that require fast, reliable delivery, including healthcare, electronics, retail, e-commerce, and more. Any shift in fuel use, even a small one, can affect cost, availability, and long-term planning. SAF is more expensive than conventional jet fuel, and supply remains tight, but its use is becoming an important part of how logistics companies discuss long-term emissions goals.
Chicago and Miami make the move even more relevant. O’Hare is one of the country’s biggest cargo hubs and a major inland distribution point. Miami is the main U.S. gateway to Latin America, where trade volumes continue to rise. Starting SAF in these locations gives FedEx a chance to learn how the fuel performs across high-volume routes and different types of cargo.
What comes next
FedEx says it plans to add more SAF locations as fuel producers scale up, but supply remains the biggest challenge. Several U.S. refineries and renewable fuel startups are trying to ramp up production, though industry groups say it will take years for supply to catch up with airline demand.
Even so, FedEx says the long-term shift has to start somewhere. “We’re committed to exploring every practical path that can reduce emissions in our air operations without compromising reliability,” the company said.
