Three major carriers DHL JetBlue and Scandinavian Airlines have jointly purchased twenty thousand tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel through a pioneering book and claim pilot. The approach allows them to fund SAF production even when the physical fuel is delivered to airports outside their operating networks.
Under the scheme a central registry records the environmental attributes of each SAF batch. Airlines retire those attributes against their emissions inventory while airport operators use the actual fuel. This accounting flexibility unlocks larger production runs that lower cost per litre for every participant worldwide today.
Why This Matters
Traditional SAF supply relies on matching fuel deliveries with airline routes, a constraint that often leaves smaller airports without access. By decoupling geography from ownership, book and claim effectively turns any airport into a potential SAF outlet, stimulating demand signals across the entire value chain.
Non-Obvious Insight
Because certificates are fungible across carriers, the system could enable interline exchanges similar to frequent flyer partnerships. One airline may soon transfer unused SAF certificates to a partner in exchange for lounge access or cargo space, creating a secondary market that further improves liquidity and accelerates investment.
Next Steps
The pilot will run for twelve months under the oversight of the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance. Data collected on pricing carbon intensity and administrative cost will inform an open playbook for airlines airports and fuel producers. Multiple governments are observing results as they design future compliance frameworks.
Conclusion
Book and claim transforms SAF from a location bound commodity into a flexible environmental asset. By proving the model at meaningful scale DHL JetBlue and SAS are not only reducing their own emissions but also laying essential groundwork for broader industry adoption.