Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize, yet it is also under growing pressure to deliver measurable climate action. Two powerful tools are converging to shape this journey: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the EU Flight Emissions Label (FEL). Together, they represent both a compliance requirement and a market opportunity—demonstrating to regulators and passengers alike how fuel choices directly impact environmental performance.
What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
SAF is a lower-carbon alternative to conventional jet fuel. Produced from renewable sources such as waste oils, agricultural residues, or synthetic processes, SAF can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions significantly compared to fossil-based fuels.
- SAF can be blended with conventional kerosene and used in existing aircraft engines.
- Its adoption is gradually being scaled through blending mandates, incentives, and voluntary airline commitments.
- Beyond emissions, SAF has the potential to strengthen energy security and diversify fuel supply chains.
What Is the EU Flight Emissions Label (FEL)?
The EU FEL is a standardized emissions label applied to flights. It is designed to provide passengers with transparent data about the environmental impact of their travel choices. Much like energy ratings on consumer appliances, the FEL allows comparisons between airlines and routes.
- Labels highlight the greenhouse gas intensity of a specific flight.
- They are visible during the booking process and across sales platforms.
- The information is based on verified operational and fuel data supplied by airlines.
How Fuel Choices Influence the FEL
Fuel type is one of the most decisive factors in shaping how an airline’s FEL is displayed.
- Lifecycle Emissions of Fuels
The FEL considers the full lifecycle impact of the fuels uplifted at each airport. SAF has lower lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuels, which can improve an airline’s label score. - Blending Ratios
The percentage of SAF blended with conventional fuel directly affects FEL outcomes. Higher SAF blends mean lower reported emissions per passenger. - Comparative Transparency
By showing the impact of SAF adoption on labels, airlines that invest in SAF gain a visible advantage over those that rely solely on fossil-based fuels. - Passenger Perception
Because the FEL is displayed at the point of sale, passengers see the direct effect of an airline’s fuel strategy on climate performance. This creates reputational incentives to adopt SAF sooner rather than later.
The Strategic Importance of Linking SAF and FEL
The link between SAF and FEL creates a feedback loop:
- Airlines adopt SAF to improve emissions performance.
- FEL labels reflect these improvements, making them visible to customers.
- Passengers reward sustainability leaders with higher bookings and brand trust.
- Market competition drives wider SAF adoption.
This interplay is critical for scaling SAF demand while reinforcing the credibility of emissions data across the aviation industry.
Challenges Airlines Face
Despite its potential, the path to SAF adoption and FEL integration is not without obstacles:
- Cost differentials: SAF remains significantly more expensive than fossil jet fuel.
- Supply limitations: Global SAF production is still scaling up, limiting availability.
- Data and verification: Airlines must track and report accurate fuel lifecycle emissions to ensure FEL credibility.
These challenges underline the importance of robust strategies and expert guidance.
VURDHAAN’s Role in Guiding Airlines on SAF and FEL
At VURDHAAN, we work with airlines, airports, and industry stakeholders to bridge the gap between sustainability ambition and operational reality. Our expertise includes:
- SAF adoption strategies: Helping airlines evaluate supply options, blending ratios, and long-term procurement plans.
- FEL readiness assessments: Ensuring accurate reporting of lifecycle fuel data for strong label performance.
- Regulatory alignment: Supporting compliance with evolving EU frameworks while minimizing reputational risks.
- Passenger communication: Building credible narratives that show how SAF choices translate into improved FEL outcomes.
We see the EU FEL and SAF as two sides of the same coin: one measures sustainability, the other delivers it. With VURDHAAN’s support, airlines can align their fuel strategies with transparent labeling, turning compliance into competitive advantage.