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Aligned with World Sustainable Transport Day’s global push for greener transportation, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is emerging as a key solution for the future of aviation. While SAF, derived from renewable sources or waste, is currently more expensive than traditional fossil jet fuel, there is optimism surrounding SAF's future affordability. Ongoing technological advancements and the maturation of related processes are anticipated to enhance production efficiency and reduce costs. As these innovations progress, SAF holds the promise of widespread adoption, seamlessly integrating into existing infrastructure and aircraft systems. Remarkably, SAF has the potential to achieve a lifecycle carbon reduction of up to 80%, a significant improvement over the traditional jet fuel it aims to replace.
FUELING INVESTMENT FOR SUSTAINABLE AVIATION
The key to the widespread acceptance and deployment of SAF is the reduction in cost. Adopting a long-term perspective underscores the necessity for investment in two primary areas. Firstly, there is a need for substantial investment in advancing technologies related to feedstock processing to enhance efficiency and scale. Secondly, investment in the development of sustainable and scalable feedstock options is critical for sustained growth. In the short term, interim support from governments and other stakeholders, manifesting through policy incentives, becomes crucial. However, it is imperative that this support remain an integral part of a comprehensive long-term framework. Investors are given the confidence they need to make the large commitments needed for sustainable growth because of this consistency. Thanks to collaborative efforts thus far, achieving Net-Zero in the aviation industry has transitioned from aspiration to a tangible possibility.
FUTURE OF SAF
The production of SAF derived from biogenic raw materials utilizing renewable energy sources has witnessed a significant increase. According to the International Air Transport Association, SAF volumes reached over 600 million liters, double the 300 million liters produced in 2022, nearly tripling the output from the previous year. Notably, at the World Economic Forum’s Clean Skies for Tomorrow Coalition event, 60 companies collectively pledged to propel global aviation with a 10% SAF usage target by 2030. This collaborative commitment spans across various sectors, including airlines, airports, fuel suppliers, aviation innovators, and non-aviation entities reliant on air travel. Since then, a growing number of airlines, such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Finnair, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, have expressed their commitment to SAF adoption. For instance, these airlines announced plans to purchase up to 200 million gallons of ethanol-based SAF annually over a five-year period from the renewable fuels producer, Gevo. This momentum in airlines embracing SAF usage is poised to intensify as a result of concerted global efforts.
WORLD’S FIRST NET ZERO TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Last November 2023, the world’s first transatlantic flight from London Heathrow to New York JFK made history by relying solely on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The use of 100% SAF and the removal of carbon through biochar carbon credits (materials designed to capture and store carbon taken from the atmosphere) make this transatlantic trip completely net zero. Conducting this transatlantic flight serves a dual purpose: it functions as a pivotal test for future sustainable aviation initiatives and a means to gather essential data supporting ongoing and prospective endeavors. By exploring improvements in operational efficiency, flight optimizations, and the substantial role of carbon removal in achieving net zero flights, this project represents the future of the global aviation industry. Currently, commercial jet engines can accommodate a maximum of 50% SAF blended with kerosene; however, the deployment of 100% SAF in flights demonstrates the potential to fully decarbonize long-haul routes and bring the industry closer to net zero.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offers a path to a more sustainable future for the aviation industry. As one of the largest sources of CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, aviation faces a critical need to adopt solutions like SAF to begin reversing its environmental impact. By embedding sustainability into their operations and offerings, businesses are setting a new standard and shaping a Future-ready aviation sector.
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