JetBlue Airways said on Wednesday it agreed to procure sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from a unit of U.S. refiner Valero Energy Corp, which would be distributed by energy firm World Kinect, for use in flights from a New York's airport. Under terms of the deal, World Fuel Services will provide the fuel supply to John F. Kennedy International Airport from the fourth quarter of 2024. Airlines have been under pressure from environmental groups to lower their carbon footprint, with the Biden administration setting targets to boost SAF output and help the domestic aviation industry shift away from traditional fuels. As a part of the initial 12-month deal, JetBlue is expected to take delivery of about 3.3m gallons of blended fuel, with an option to purchase up to an additional 13.3m gallons of blended fuel.<br/>
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Penang welcomed on Thursday (Aug 1) the inaugural direct flight from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, operated by Shanghai Airlines, which marks another significant milestone in Penang's efforts to penetrate the international tourism market. The flight, which landed at 7.11am at the Penang International Airport here, is also the second direct flight route between Shanghai and Penang after the inaugural flight of Juneyao Airlines on May 31. State tourism and creative economy committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the launch of this direct flight not only builds another bridge of friendship between the people of Shanghai and Penang but also injects new vitality into the economic and cultural exchanges between China and Malaysia. "The new direct flight opens up Penang to the vast market of East China. Residents and businesses in Shanghai and neighbouring provinces can now take advantage of China's advanced high-speed rail and comprehensive domestic flight network to connect seamlessly to Penang via Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This new route is poised to ignite renewed interest in Penang among East China tourists, revitalising our tourism industry and with a surge in visitors from East China, we anticipate substantial growth opportunities for Penang's tourism sector,” he said in a statement.<br/>