Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are collaborating with Par Hawaii to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using locally grown crops in Hawaiʻi. This partnership aims to reduce the carbon footprint of aviation by producing SAF from feedstock such as camelina sativa, which can also support local agriculture and livestock industries. The airlines plan to commence deliveries of Hawaiʻi-produced SAF in the first quarter of 2026, marking a significant milestone in Hawaii’s efforts toward energy independence and environmental sustainability.
This initiative not only enhances Hawaiʻi’s fuel supply chain with sustainable options but also promotes economic growth through new agricultural and energy sectors. Camelina sativa is a high-yield, pest-resistant crop with a short growth cycle, ideal for regional cultivation. Its oils can be converted into renewable jet fuel, which can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuels. The remaining seedcake serves as nutrient-rich feed for livestock, supporting local farming communities.
The project reflects Hawaii's broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions and strengthen local industries. Par Hawaii, which owns the state’s only refinery, has invested $100 million to reconfigure a processing unit into a renewable hydrotreater. These developments are part of a wider effort by Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines’ parent Alaska Airlines, and other partners to build a sustainable future while expanding their global reach, including plans to join the oneworld alliance in 2026.
