Castle & Cooke Aviation elevating sustainability at Van Nuys Airport

Highlighting its growing sustainability portfolio at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) in Southern California (CA), United States, the FBO is positioned as a destination for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and clean energy advancements in the region.

Castle & Cooke Aviation VNY offers SAF from Avfuel and the fuel supplier’s nearby production partner, Finland-headed oil refiner and renewable products major Neste Oyj, which operates a blending facility nearby.

The fuel blend—averaging 30 percent neat SAF to 70 percent petroleum-based Jet A—significantly reduces lifecycle carbon emissions without the need for aircraft or engine modifications.

While SAF is not new to our facility, the difference lies in how seamlessly we can provide it. With close proximity to a Neste SAF blending facility and supply terminal, operators seeking high-volume SAF can count on Castle & Cooke Aviation VNY and Avfuel for quick, local access, said Tony Marlow, President of Aviation Operations and Business Development at Castle & Cooke Aviation.

Reducing the footprint of ground operations

In addition to its SAF capabilities, Castle & Cooke Aviation VNY has taken major steps toward more sustainable ground operations.

The FBO outfitted the rooftops of its four largest hangars with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and has transitioned a significant portion of its ground support equipment (GSE) to electric-powered solutions.

The current fleet includes three Lektro electric tugs, two Lektro charging units, two electric golf carts, and one electric ground power unit (GPU). Additional equipment, such as an electric baggage loader, is being evaluated for acquisition.

These updates reflect the FBO’s phased retirement of diesel equipment, replacing legacy systems with modern, low-emission alternatives as part of a broader, continuous transition strategy.

Furthermore, the FBO is preparing to install electric vehicle charging stations across its VNY campus. The initial rollout—expected within the next three months—is aimed at airside usage, catering to tenant and valet vehicles.

The initiative aligns with California’s evolving transportation landscape and reflects the FBO’s foresight in accommodating the next generation of sustainable aviation travel.

Castle & Cooke Aviation has always believed that operational excellence and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. We’re proud to offer an experience that is not only luxurious but also mindful of the future of aviation, said Tony Marlow.