US refiner and supplier of jet fuels and avgas Phillips 66 Aviation has launched a carbon offset programme for its FBOs and flight operators, in partnership with ratings system 4Air.

“We're excited to announce our carbon offset programme in collaboration with 4Air as we continue to invest with new ventures and technologies that align with our ongoing sustainability priorities,” says manager Lindsey Grant. “The first step to any new initiative is awareness and education. At Phillips 66 Aviation we're giving pilots and FBOs the right tools to help them on their carbon journey. We look forward to working alongside the 4Air team to bring sustainable offerings to our customers.”

Through the programme, flight operators and FBOs will be able to easily offset carbon dioxide emissions from jet, avgas and even gasoline and diesel emissions generated by their vehicles and operations equipment. Carbon credits are validated and purchased utilising leading industry verification standards, and customers receive certificates of retired credits to fulfil their sustainability plans.

“4Air's rating system is designed specifically for aviation and makes compliance with industry goals and sustainability efforts simple,” says 4Air president Kennedy Ricci. “Phillips 66 Aviation's journey to sustainable aviation will be met with support from our comprehensive programme as we continue to see great progress in cooperation with it and its customers.”

As part of its goal to reduce carbon emissions, Phillips 66 plans to convert its San Francisco refinery in Rodeo, California into one of the world's largest renewable fuels facilities, enabling it to produce sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel by 2024. At present, SAF has limitations around supply availability, including scalability, manufacturing capability and policies. Its Miami-Opa Locka airport FBO Fontainebleau Aviation now actively offers carbon offsets to its customers through the carbon offset programme, and the FBO's gasoline and diesel emissions generated by the company's refuellers, ground service equipment and vehicles have been offset since November 2021.

“As SAF continues to be a focus within the industry, we find it necessary to do our part to improve our planet and offset emissions however we can,” says Fontainbleau Aviation VP of aviation Bobby Courtney. “It is crucial for all FBOs to acknowledge their carbon footprint and take the necessary steps to lighten it. In affiliation with Phillips 66 Aviation, we are proud to be an industry trailblazer.”