In recent years, aviation has become the centerpiece of many discussions on climate change. With air travel continuing to expand and demand for efficient connectivity on the rise, the aviation sector—responsible for about 2.5% to 3% of global CO₂ emissions—is increasingly seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for climate action. At the forefront of solutions is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which offers promising environmental benefits but faces challenges in production and cost that slow its widespread adoption. As the sector seeks paths to decarbonization, a coordinated, global approach is essential to accelerate SAF development and make green aviation a reality.
Why Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
SAF is widely recognized as the most viable solution for aviation decarbonization in the near term. Unlike hydrogen or electric power, SAF can power long-haul flights without requiring modifications to existing aircraft engines. This compatibility with current infrastructure positions SAF as a near-term solution to reduce aviation emissions by reducing the carbon footprint of each flight. Furthermore, SAF has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions over its life cycle, especially when derived from sustainably sourced feedstocks.
SAF Production and Cost Challenges
Despite its potential, SAF faces significant hurdles in cost and availability. The industry currently produces just 0.5 million tonnes of SAF, with a per-tonne cost of approximately $2,500, making it 2.8 times more expensive than conventional aviation fuel. This high cost is largely due to limited production facilities, restricted feedstock supply, and policy-driven demand, which is required to meet sustainability targets. Although SAF production doubled between 2022 and 2023, the current supply still represents a mere 0.2% of global jet fuel consumption.
Several factors drive these high production costs. One of the main reasons is the scarcity of hydrogenated fatty acid (HEFA) feedstocks, primarily derived from used cooking oils and animal fats. With these feedstocks already in demand for biodiesel production, alternative SAF pathways are required to ensure both scalability and economic viability. Expanding the range of SAF production methods to include agricultural residues, energy crops, algae, and municipal solid waste could open new opportunities for lower-cost feedstocks. This transition is pivotal to reducing SAF costs and making it competitive with traditional jet fuel.
The Role of Global Standards and Subsidies
For SAF adoption to become a sustainable, worldwide reality, a harmonized approach to sustainability standards is critical. Currently, varying criteria and guidelines across regions make it difficult for producers and consumers to navigate SAF certification and use. The development of global sustainability standards would provide consistency, transparency, and reliability in SAF’s environmental claims. A unified standard would simplify certification processes, promote international trade in SAF, and give investors confidence in SAF’s sustainability profile.
Additionally, financial support from governments—through subsidies, investment incentives, or loan guarantees—is essential for reducing the capital costs associated with SAF production. Such measures could help scale production, drive down costs, and encourage broader market adoption. While developed economies have largely led SAF initiatives so far, extending technical assistance to emerging economies is crucial. This approach will enable these regions to develop SAF capabilities, utilize local resources, and reduce aviation’s environmental impact.
Building Capacity in Emerging Markets
With air travel demand growing worldwide, especially in emerging economies, SAF development presents an opportunity for these regions to participate in sustainable growth. As of now, most SAF production and consumption are concentrated in developed economies, but the potential for SAF to support sustainable growth is significant in developing countries.
Investing in SAF infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives in these regions could foster a new wave of innovation and growth. Many emerging markets have access to a wealth of natural resources, such as biomass, which could serve as an abundant and sustainable SAF feedstock. However, these economies will need technical support, investment, and knowledge transfer from established SAF-producing nations to develop their industries. This collaboration could enable a more equitable distribution of SAF production and further reduce aviation’s global carbon footprint.
Ensuring SAF Sustainability
A key aspect of SAF’s appeal lies in its potential to drastically reduce GHG emissions. However, to maintain its sustainability reputation, the aviation industry must commit to rigorous environmental standards in SAF production. The establishment of universally recognized sustainability standards would provide a consistent framework for evaluating and verifying SAF’s environmental impact. This clarity is particularly important for investors, consumers, and regulatory agencies, who need assurance that SAF aligns with broader climate goals.
Developing a single set of standards that meets the needs of multiple stakeholders would reduce confusion and streamline the certification process. In turn, this would make SAF more accessible and attractive to international markets, fostering broader adoption and establishing SAF as a long-term solution for aviation emissions.
Achievements and Future Goals in SAF Development
Significant progress has already been made in SAF development. According to the IATA, the industry saw a 100% increase in SAF production between 2022 and 2023, with consumption reaching 0.5 million tonnes. Although this represents just a fraction of global jet fuel use, it’s a promising start. As SAF production scales, costs are expected to decrease, driven by economies of scale, advanced production technologies, and increased fuel efficiency in new aircraft designs.
Long-term, these improvements will contribute to cost reductions and offset the current price disparity between SAF and conventional fuel. Revenue from carbon reduction savings and efficiency improvements will further support the shift toward SAF, creating a self-sustaining market that encourages airlines to adopt green practices without compromising financial stability.
The Role of Technology and Innovation
Beyond SAF, other technologies also play a role in aviation’s sustainability journey. Innovations in aircraft design, such as lighter materials, fuel-efficient engines, and aerodynamic improvements, are steadily improving aviation’s energy efficiency. Although hydrogen and electric power are currently limited to short-haul flights, ongoing research in these areas could make them feasible alternatives for longer routes in the future. Together, SAF and new aviation technologies have the potential to reduce aviation’s environmental impact significantly.
For example, new fuel-efficient aircraft designs are expected to save fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions over time. In addition, airlines could capitalize on carbon credits and reduction incentives, helping offset the initial investment costs associated with SAF adoption. This strategy can support both short-term reductions and long-term sustainability, driving aviation closer to its decarbonization targets.
The Path Ahead: Collaborative Action for a Greener Sky
While SAF offers an immediate pathway to decarbonize the aviation sector, long-term success depends on collaboration between governments, industry players, and international organizations. Governments can provide essential support through incentives, subsidies, and R&D funding, while the private sector can continue to push for technological advancements. Emerging markets, in particular, stand to benefit from technical assistance and investment, which would enable them to leverage SAF as part of their sustainable development goals.
As the world grows increasingly interconnected, aviation’s role in global travel and trade is irreplaceable. However, its environmental footprint demands urgent attention. With SAF, the industry has a promising tool to reduce emissions and protect the planet. The challenges are significant, but with collaborative, innovative action, greener aviation can transform from an ambition into a reality, setting a new standard for sustainable travel worldwide.
As global demand for air travel rises, the adoption of SAF and other innovative technologies will pave the way for a sustainable future—one where aviation can continue to connect people and places while protecting the planet for future generations.