A coalition of aviation stakeholders has issued a united call for urgent policy action to accelerate the production and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) across Europe.
The industry says that achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 depends on expanding SAF availability and affordability — and fast.
Backed by the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement, the sector reiterates its full commitment to decarbonising air travel.
“SAF is no longer a distant solution, it is a reality that must scale now,” the statement said. “It presents the opportunity to improve the EU’s energy security, strengthen its economic prosperity and bolster climate innovation.”
The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation has already played a key role, prompting SAF production to grow from almost zero to 1.2 million tonnes by 2024.
But with €61 billion needed annually to decarbonise aviation, the industry warns that high costs, regulatory complexity, and a lack of investment instruments are holding back progress.
The 10-point action plan for 2025–2026 calls for extended SAF allowances under the EU Emissions Trading System, targeted funding for e-SAF and bio-SAF projects and risk-reducing financial products from the European Investment Bank.
It also urges a revenue certainty mechanism — such as contracts for difference — to de-risk production investment and create a thriving SAF market.
Additional actions include simplifying regulation, increasing access to renewable electricity and eligible biomass, and supporting the testing and certification of new e-SAF technologies.
The aviation ecosystem emphasises the need for collaboration across Member States, EU bodies and private investors to meet 2030 targets.
“ReFuelEU Aviation is the backbone of Europe’s SAF strategy but its success relies on swift, coordinated action to resolve the remaining investment and implementation barriers,” the group concluded.
With air transport supporting 14 million jobs and €851 billion in GDP across Europe, scaling SAF could protect livelihoods while cutting emissions — if policymakers act now.
Aviation Industry says scale up sustainable fuel now! appeared first on Energy Live News.