Montana Renewables Introduces 50% SAF Blend to Market

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer Montana Renewables has reached a milestone with the commissioning of onsite blending and shipping facilities at its refinery in Great Falls, Montana. As a result, the Calumet subsidiary is now offering a 50% SAF blend known as MaxSAF, the highest ratio currently allowed under ASTM standards.

While recent tests have proven that modern aircraft can operate on 100% SAF without concern, the fuel systems in older, legacy aircraft benefit from the aromatic compounds present in conventional jet fuel to form tight gasket seals; hence, the SAF blend is currently capped at 50%. The most commonly available blend ratio on the market is 30% SAF, which accounts for an approximate 25% reduction in life cycle CO2 emissions, compared to jet-A.

“The blend ratio is purely a function of economics and the blending qualities of the available jet fuel,” said Michael Wojciechowski, Montana Renewables director of strategy and growth. “We happen to have favorable economics and jet fuel qualities that allow for this.” While he declined to discuss the actual pricing of the MaxSAF blend, Wojciechowski told AIN that the more concentrated the blend, the more cost-effective it usually is for the buyer in terms of environmental benefits and sustainability reporting.

At present, Montana Renewables is one of only three SAF producers with commercial-scale output in North America, and this first shipment of MaxSAF demonstrates its ability to move product from the loading rack to bring SAF to local and regional airports in addition to major airports. The fuel—with its SAF component produced from fats and oils—will initially be distributed via the AEG Fuels network to select markets in Montana, Washington, and Oregon.

“AEG Fuels is honored to collaborate with Montana Renewables on this landmark SAF inaugural blend,” said Landon Larson, AEG’s v-p of North America supply. “Together we’re demonstrating how strategic partnerships can accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation and deliver real value to operators across our fueling network.”