Earlier this summer (2025), key supporters of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for commercial aviation attended a two-day “Wood-to-SAF Innovation Tour” in Bemidji, Grand Rapids and Cloquet, Minn.
Partners in the Minnesota SAF Hub learned about Minnesota’s resilient forestry industry and witnessed the potential to advance wood-to-SAF demonstrations at timber processing plants. Woody biomass can provide economic advantages for SAF production, and SAF derived from woody residuals helps lower carbon emissions.
Shortly after the tours, attendees gathered at a workshop to discuss strategies identified in the state’s forested regions.
The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is part of the Minnesota SAF Hub, a group of corporate, government and regional institutions led by GREATER MSP and working to produce, process and deliver SAF to reduce the use of conventional jet fuel. In September of 2024, SAF fueled a symbolic first flight – in part -- from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to New York, on a Delta Air Lines flight. The MAC operates MSP Airport.
Watch for future updates on advances in the integration of SAF into commercial operations.