The aviation industry plays a major role in connecting people and economies, but it also contributes to climate change.
Traditional jet fuel releases high amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) into the atmosphere. That’s where Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) comes in, a new solution aimed at reducing the environmental impact of flying.
As countries and companies race to cut emissions, SAF has taken center stage as a cleaner alternative to fossil-based jet fuels.
Why SAF Matters: The Carbon Challenge
Aviation accounts for about 2–3% of global CO₂ emissions. While this may sound small, aviation emissions are expected to triple by 2050 due to increasing air travel demand.
Here’s why SAF matters:
- Jet fuel is difficult to replace because electric or hydrogen planes aren’t yet practical for long-distance commercial flights.
- SAF can be used in existing aircraft engines without major changes.
- It offers up to 80% fewer life-cycle emissions than conventional jet fuel.
In short, SAF helps us fly cleaner, today, not just in the distant future.
What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
SAF is a type of biofuel or synthetic fuel made from renewable resources such as:
- Used cooking oil
- Waste animal fats
- Agricultural residues
- Forestry waste
- Algae
- Carbon captured directly from the air
Unlike traditional jet fuel derived from petroleum, SAF is produced in a way that reduces greenhouse gas emissions across its entire life cycle, from production to combustion.
Key Benefits of SAF
1. Lower Carbon Emissions
SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels.
2. Compatibility with Existing Aircraft
It works with current aircraft and airport fueling systems, making it easy to adopt.
3. Better Air Quality
SAF burns cleaner, reducing soot and particulate emissions, which can improve air quality around airports.
4. Supports Circular Economy
Many SAFs are made from waste materials, helping to reuse and recycle organic matter.
Latest Developments in SAF (2024–2025)
The SAF industry is gaining serious momentum in 2024 and 2025. Below are the latest highlights:
Technology Innovations
- Electrofuels (e-fuels): These are made by combining green hydrogen (from water) with CO₂ captured from the air. This method, though still expensive, is scaling fast.
- Algae-based SAF: New algae strains are being engineered to produce more oil per acre, speeding up biofuel production.
Major Production Facilities
- In 2024, Neste (a Finnish company) expanded its SAF plant in Singapore, making it one of the largest producers in the world.
- World Energy in the U.S. announced a major expansion of its SAF capacity at its California facility.
SAF-Powered Flights
- In 2025, United Airlines launched a flight using 100% SAF on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, showing it’s possible to fly greener without blending with fossil fuels.
- Emirates, Delta, and Lufthansa have all increased SAF usage on long-haul routes.
Leading Companies and Airlines Embracing SAF
Airlines
- United Airlines: Committed to becoming 100% green by 2050 and investing heavily in SAF startups.
- British Airways: Partnering with Velocys to build SAF plants in the UK.
- Qantas: Recently signed a 10-year SAF deal worth billions to reduce emissions on international flights.
Fuel Producers
- Neste: Leading the SAF market globally.
- Gevo: U.S.-based startup focused on alcohol-to-jet SAF.
- LanzaJet: Producing SAF from ethanol and biomass with strong airline partnerships.
Startups
- SkyNRG: A Dutch startup working on waste-based SAF projects with airports.
- Twelve: Creating synthetic SAF from carbon dioxide and water using renewable electricity.
SAF Policies and Global Regulations
To encourage SAF growth, many countries and agencies are introducing supportive policies.
U.S. Government (IRA 2022–2025)
- Offers tax credits up to $1.75 per gallon of SAF.
- Supporting new SAF projects through grants and research funding.
European Union
- ReFuelEU Aviation law requires fuel suppliers to blend at least 2% SAF by 2025, scaling up to 70% by 2050.
ICAO & CORSIA Program
- The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) encourages carbon-neutral growth for international flights through the CORSIA program, pushing airlines to adopt SAF and offset emissions.
Challenges Slowing Down SAF Adoption
Despite its potential, SAF adoption is still low, less than 1% of total aviation fuel used today is SAF. Why?
High Costs
SAF is 2–5 times more expensive than traditional jet fuel.
Limited Production
Only a few commercial-scale SAF plants are operating globally. Scaling up takes time and investment.
Technical Barriers
Not all types of SAF are certified for 100% use yet. Most current flights use SAF blends (up to 50%).
Feedstock Availability
Materials like used cooking oil and forestry waste are limited and in high demand across other industries.
The Future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
– Increased Investments
More public and private money is flowing into SAF startups, research, and infrastructure.
– Targeted Goals
- The aviation industry aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
- IATA (International Air Transport Association) has a target of using 65% SAF by 2050 to achieve this.
– Collaboration Across Sectors
Airlines, fuel producers, governments, and researchers are working together to:
- Certify new SAF types
- Build affordable SAF supply chains
- Train aviation professionals on SAF handling
– Broader Use Cases
In the future, SAF may power:
- Military aircraft
- Business jets
- Cargo planes
- Drone delivery services
FAQs on SAF
1. Can planes fly on 100% SAF?
Yes, but currently only a few test flights have used 100% SAF. Most flights today use a blend (up to 50%).
2. Is SAF safe for flying?
Absolutely. SAF must meet strict safety and performance standards before use in commercial aircraft.
3. Will SAF make flight tickets more expensive?
In the short term, yes. SAF is more costly, but as production scales and technology improves, prices are expected to drop.
4. Can I offset my flight’s carbon with SAF?
Some airlines now allow passengers to contribute to SAF purchases instead of traditional carbon offsets.
