Hawaiian Airlines, Par Pacific Studying Sustainable Jet Fuels
HONOLULU — Hawaiian Airlines and Par Pacific Holdings, Hawaii’s largest supplier of fuel products, have embarked on a joint study of the commercial viability of locally produced, sustainable aviation fuels.
Under the terms of the partnership, two of Par Pacific’s refinery processing units will be converted to produce renewable fuels made from locally grown, oil-yielding crops. At the same time, the two companies are exploring the feasibility of importing sustainable feedstocks to produce sustainable aviation fuels.
The two companies plan to convene stakeholders to identify state and federal policies that could support Hawaii-based production of renewable fuels.
“SAF is an integral part of decarbonizing aviation, and we hope to be able to make joint investments in SAF production here in Hawaii, which will benefit both the environment and our economy,” said Peter Ingram, the airlines’ president and CEO.
“We know that it will take more than just our companies to accomplish this ambitious objective, and we look forward to engaging with partners across the community to build a more sustainable future for travel to, from and within the islands,” he said.
The goal is that the partnership will soon be able to replace all or at least a sizable percentage of Hawaiian Airlines’ traditional, kerosene-based jet fuel.
In a joint press release the two companies said their agreement “is a major step for both organizations to reduce carbon emissions and to create a more sustainable energy future for Hawaii.”
In 2019, Par Pacific invested $27 million in a distillate hydrotreater at its Kapolei refinery in Oahu, Hawaii, to produce more jet fuel and ultra-low sulfur diesel.
This relatively new processing unit, along with the refinery’s distillate hydrocracker — which produces high-value transportation fuels by converting heavier, lower-value products under high temperature and pressure — are the two primary units being considered for renewable fuel production.
“We have over 260 employees at our Kapolei refinery engaged in high-quality manufacturing work,” said William Pate, president and CEO of Par Pacific. “We’re excited to be partnering with Hawaiian Airlines to innovate and position our business for the future. Aviation fuel represents approximately 40% of Hawaii’s fuel demand, and our work with Hawaiian is an important step in addressing these emissions.”
Dan can be reached at [email protected] and @DanMcCue
