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How Google Is Scaling SAF Demand Through Shell, Amex GBT

Published by Todd Bush on April 8, 2026

Google has extended a long-term agreement with American Express Global Business Travel and Shell Aviation to source sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) environmental attributes. The deal uses the blockchain-powered Avelia registry and shows how corporate demand can drive SAF supply growth.

Key Facts

  • SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions from aviation by up to 80 percent when substituting for conventional jet fuel.
  • Avelia has injected over 64 million gallons of SAF into the fuel network at 18 airports worldwide.
  • Avelia has helped reduce over 590,000 tons of CO2e, equal to 1 million passengers flying from London to New York.
  • 66 corporations and airlines have joined Avelia, with over 1,300 retirements executed on the platform.

What Is the Google-Amex GBT-Shell SAF Agreement?

Google extended its collaboration with Amex GBT and Shell Aviation through this agreement. Amex GBT is a leading software and services company for travel, expense, and meetings and events. Shell Aviation is one of the world's largest traders and suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel. The extended agreement sources SAF environmental-attribute information through the Avelia registry.

Vrushali Gaud

"Sustainable aviation fuel represents a critical unlock for decarbonizing the hard-to-abate aviation sector and we recognize the importance of long-term agreements to increase demand and expand its availability. We view this as a key opportunity to support the broader ecosystem through this book-and-claim effort, while making progress towards reducing our own aviation emissions."

Vrushali Gaud, Global Director of Climate Operations, Google

This is a multi-year commitment, not a one-time transaction. Long-term agreements like this send sustained demand signals that SAF producers need before investing in new supply capacity.

Google joins Shell-backed SAF programme

>> In Other News: [x](x)

How Does the Avelia Book-and-Claim Model Work?

The book-and-claim model separates SAF environmental attributes from the physical fuel. A corporate buyer can access the lifecycle emissions-reduction benefits of SAF even when that fuel is not available at its departure airport.

Andrew Crawley

"Our valued customer Google continues to lead by example and is showcasing one of the many ways business travel is a force for good. Corporate demand and investment are essential to growing the SAF industry. By extending this key collaboration, we are continuing to build a more resilient and lower-carbon future for our industry. Together, we are investing in the technologies of tomorrow—today."

Andrew Crawley, President, American Express Global Business Travel

The SAF only needs to be injected somewhere into the aviation fueling network. Avelia's blockchain securely tracks and allocates the environmental attributes to the registered buyer. This removes a key logistical barrier to aviation decarbonization.

>> RELATED: Twelve Commences Construction of First Commercial-Scale SAF Plant in the US

Why Corporate Demand Is the Engine Behind SAF Supply Growth

Strong corporate demand is essential to growing the SAF market. It sends the signals SAF producers need to invest and expand supply. Lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions from aviation can fall by up to 80 percent through SAF use.

Global SAF production grew 24 times between 2021 and 2025, reaching an estimated 713 million gallons by year-end. Multi-year agreements are a primary driver of that growth.

Avelia Metric Figure (as of March 2026)
SAF injected into fuel network Over 64 million gallons at 18 airport locations worldwide
CO2e abated Over 590,000 tons
CO2e equivalent 1 million passengers flying London to New York
Corporations and airlines on platform 66
Retirements executed Over 1,300
Global SAF production growth (2021–2025) 24 times

How Big Is the Avelia Ecosystem Today?

Avelia has grown well beyond its 2022 pilot launch. Over 64 million gallons of SAF have been injected at 18 airport locations worldwide. That has helped abate over 590,000 tons of CO2e, the equivalent of 1 million passengers flying from London to New York.

Raman Ojha

"Advancing SAF takes collective effort across the entire aviation ecosystem. Google's extended commitment provides important financial signals for the SAF ecosystem and supports the development and deployment of SAF at large. We're excited to continue this work with a company that leads with action and ambition."

Raman Ojha, President, Shell Aviation

Sixty-six corporations and airlines have joined the platform. More than 1,300 retirements have been executed. The rapidly expanding SAF market continues to feed the supply that Avelia tracks and allocates.

Where Policy and Corporate Action Converge

Corporate agreements don't operate in a vacuum. In the U.S., the Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit provides incentives for SAF producers. Europe and Asia are adding SAF mandates and incentives to their regulatory frameworks, reinforcing the push toward aviation decarbonization.

Policy and long-term corporate demand together give producers the confidence to scale. Avelia now connects buyers to verified SAF supply across 18 airports. Aviation lifecycle greenhouse-gas emissions can drop by up to 80 percent through SAF. Corporate commitments from companies like Google keep that foundation growing.

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