Delta Air Lines has joined agriculture, forestry and business leaders across the US state of Georgia to launch the Georgia Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Coalition, a new statewide effort to make Georgia a national leader in cleaner jet fuel. The sustainable aviation fuel coalition was unveiled on 30 September 2026 at an event at the Delta Flight Museum in Atlanta.
FAKTA
- What: Georgia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition, launched 30 September 2026
- Founding members: Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Forestry Association and Delta Air Lines
- Launch event: Delta Flight Museum, Atlanta, Georgia
- Goal: Position Georgia as a national leader in sustainable aviation fuel research and production, using Georgia-grown agriculture and forestry feedstocks
- Key speakers: Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns, Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper, Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Katie Kirkpatrick, and Delta President Peter Carter
Farms and forests to fuel the jets
The coalition will work to accelerate domestic production of biofuels made from Georgia-grown agricultural and forestry feedstocks. According to Delta, its immediate priorities include strengthening public-private partnerships, supporting research and commercialisation, attracting investment, and advancing policies that support industry growth. The aim is to connect Georgia’s existing strengths in aviation, agriculture, forestry, research and logistics to the emerging sustainable fuel market.
The launch builds on momentum created by this year’s Keep Georgia Forested Act, legislation that encourages investment in forestry manufacturing and creates new opportunities to convert Georgia-grown agricultural and forestry feedstocks into products such as sustainable aviation fuel.
“This is about aligning Georgia’s natural strengths with real market demand,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “Georgia is making a serious play for a piece of the emerging sustainable aviation fuel market.”
Ground crew fuelling an aircraft at sunset. Sustainable aviation fuel is designed to work with existing aircraft and fuelling infrastructure.
Why the sustainable aviation fuel coalition matters
Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, and sustainable aviation fuel is currently the most practical route to cutting its emissions. According to Delta, SAF is an alternative jet fuel made from renewable feedstocks that can significantly reduce lifecycle carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. It is designed to be compatible with existing aircraft and fuelling infrastructure.
The coalition’s backers note that while SAF currently represents a small share of global fuel supply, demand is rising quickly across global markets as production scales and interest from airlines and customers continues to accelerate.
What leaders said at the launch
“Georgia is well positioned to become a national leader in SAF,” said Peter Carter, President of Delta Air Lines. “The Georgia SAF Coalition unites organizations committed to advancing that opportunity. Together, we can power the growth of a SAF industry that strengthens Georgia’s economy, supports innovation and creates lasting benefits for communities across the state.”
Conclusion
With Delta’s global headquarters and the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta, Georgia is positioning itself at the centre of aviation’s green-fuel transition. The new coalition signals that US states are moving to secure a share of the growing sustainable aviation fuel market — and that the farms and forests of Georgia could soon be helping to fuel cleaner flights.
Read this story on our main site: Delta and Georgia Partners Launch Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition. More climate news: Watan News climate coverage. Official announcement: Delta News Hub: Delta, Georgia leaders unite to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel growth (30 Sep 2026).
