Southwest Airlines launches tool enabling corporate customers to support sustainable aviation fuel

Southwest Airlines has introduced a new, innovative option for eligible corporate customers to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through a partnership with Chooose. This initiative empowers businesses to contribute to the airline’s sustainability efforts, as well as their own internal goals.

Understanding sustainable aviation fuel

SAF is produced from non-fossil fuel sources and can significantly reduce lifecycle carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Currently, SAF is produced in limited quantities and at a higher cost, making it challenging for airlines to use extensively. However, through the partnership with Chooose, Southwest Airlines can offer corporate customers the opportunity to support the adoption and use of SAF.

The SAF Beta Program

Launched in October 2021, Southwest’s SAF Beta Program allows eligible business customers to purchase SAF claims associated with SAF use. Now, these customers can buy SAF claims and support other climate solutions directly through Southwest Business Assist™. The Chooose-powered platform offers customizable self-service purchases tailored to corporate customers’ priorities, budgets, and strategies.

Encouraging climate action

In addition to supporting SAF, the platform also offers customers the opportunity to back certified climate projects, either alongside or independent of their SAF contributions. These vetted climate projects are vital for carbon removal as in-sector technology evolve.

Since early 2022, Southwest Airlines has allowed individual and corporate customers to support climate solutions directly when booking flights. The airline also promotes climate action by matching contributions and rewarding customers with loyalty points.

“We are committed to supporting our corporate customers in their decarbonization efforts, no matter where they are in the journey. That means providing options to address the carbon emissions of business travel,” said Helen Giles, Managing Director, Environmental Sustainability at Southwest Airlines. “We're proud to partner with Chooose on launching a feature in Southwest Business Assist that allows corporate Customers to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) claims. We know how important SAF is to our valued corporate Customers, and we are thrilled to be able to expand access!,” added Giles.