With plans to purchase 500 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as well as a conditional pre-order for electric planes from Vertical Aerospace Group Ltd., American Airlines Group Ltd. is gaining speed in its climb toward net-zero emissions by 2050. 

American announced last week it finalized an agreement with biofuels producer Gevo Inc. to purchase 500 million gallons of SAF over five years. 

According to American’s environment 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance report, SAF produced from renewable feedstock could reduce lifecycle emissions by 60%-80% compared to petroleum-based jet fuel.

“The use of SAF is a cornerstone of our strategy to decarbonize air travel,” said American’s VP of Sustainability Jill Blickstein. “While this landmark...