ORLEN Launches Sustainable Aviation Fuel Sales at Polish Airports

Key Takeaways

• ORLEN began selling Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, and Katowice airports in July 2025.
• The EU ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation mandates 2% SAF use in 2025, increasing to 70% by 2050.
• SAF reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% and requires no aircraft modifications.

In July 2025, a major change took place in Poland’s aviation sector: ORLEN, the country’s top multi-energy company, started selling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the nation’s largest airports. This move is not just a business milestone—it’s a direct response to new European Union rules under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, which require airlines to use more eco-friendly fuel. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changed, who is affected, what actions are needed, and what this means for airlines, passengers, and the broader aviation community.

What Has Changed: The Launch of SAF at Polish Airports

As of July 2025, ORLEN began commercial sales of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at three major Polish airports: Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, and Katowice. This is the first time airlines flying out of these airports can refuel with SAF, which is made from renewable sources like used cooking oil and various types of waste. The fuel is blended with regular jet fuel, so airlines don’t need to change their planes or equipment to use it.

This launch is a direct answer to the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. This regulation sets clear targets for how much SAF must be used in jet fuel sold at large EU airports:
– 2% SAF in 2025
– 6% by 2030
– 20% by 2035
– 70% by 2050

Poland 🇵🇱 is now meeting the first of these targets, thanks to ORLEN’s efforts.

Who Is Affected: Airlines, Airports, and Passengers

The new SAF rollout affects several groups:

• Airlines: All carriers operating from Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, and Katowice airports must now include SAF in their fuel mix to comply with EU rules. This includes both Polish airlines like LOT Polish Airlines and international carriers.
• Airports: The three largest airports in Poland 🇵🇱 are now equipped to supply SAF, making them compliant with the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.
• Passengers: While travelers may not notice a difference in their flight experience, they are now flying on planes that use cleaner fuel, which helps reduce the environmental impact of air travel.
• Aviation Industry Workers: Ground crews, fuel suppliers, and logistics teams must adapt to new procedures for handling and documenting SAF.

Effective Dates and Compliance Deadlines

• July 2025: SAF became available for all departing flights at Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, and Katowice airports.
• 2025 EU Mandate: Airlines must ensure that at least 2% of their jet fuel comes from SAF at covered airports.
• Future Deadlines: The SAF share will increase to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% by 2050.

Airlines and airport operators should be aware that these deadlines are set by the European Union and are legally binding for all large airports and carriers operating within the EU.

Required Actions for Airlines and Stakeholders

Airlines and other stakeholders need to take several steps to comply with the new rules and benefit from SAF availability:

1. Request SAF Refuelling: Airlines operating at Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, or Katowice can now request SAF as part of their regular refuelling process.
2. Update Fuel Procurement Contracts: Airlines should review and update their contracts with fuel suppliers to include SAF, ensuring they meet the 2% mandate.
3. Collect and Maintain Documentation: ORLEN provides certificates showing the SAF content in each fuel delivery. Airlines must keep these records to prove compliance with EU regulations and for sustainability reporting.
4. Coordinate with Airport Authorities: Airlines should work closely with airport management and ground handling teams to ensure smooth SAF delivery and handling.
5. Plan for Future Increases: With SAF targets set to rise in the coming years, airlines should start planning how to increase their SAF usage over time.

How ORLEN’s SAF Works: Production, Supply, and Compatibility

ORLEN’s SAF is produced from renewable or waste-derived materials, such as:
– Used cooking oils
– Municipal waste
– Industrial waste
– Agricultural and forestry waste

These feedstocks are chosen to meet strict sustainability standards. This means they do not cause deforestation or take away resources needed for food or water.

The SAF is then blended with regular jet fuel. This blend is fully compatible with all current jet engines and airport fuel systems, so airlines do not need to make any changes to their planes or equipment. This makes it easy for airlines to start using SAF right away.

Key Stakeholders and Their Perspectives

Several important voices have spoken about the SAF rollout:

• Ireneusz Sitarski, Vice President of the ORLEN Management Board (Wholesale and Logistics), said that including SAF is a key part of ORLEN’s 2035 strategy. The company wants to expand its products and help both suppliers and customers reduce their carbon footprint.
• Adam Sanocki, Management Board Member of PPL S.A. (Strategy and Marketing), called the SAF launch a crucial step for the aviation sector’s move toward climate neutrality. He said it helps airlines develop and follow their own sustainability plans.
• Dorota Dmuchowska, Chief Operating Officer of LOT Polish Airlines, said that having SAF available is vital for LOT’s own sustainability and decarbonization goals. However, she pointed out that SAF supply is still limited, so careful planning is needed to make sure enough fuel is available when needed.

Regulatory and Policy Context: The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation

The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation is a European Union law that aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions from aviation. It applies to all EU airports that handled more than 800,000 passengers or 100,000 tonnes of cargo in the previous year. This means that the largest airports in each EU country, including Poland 🇵🇱, must follow the rules.

The regulation sets clear targets for how much SAF must be used in jet fuel sold at these airports. By starting SAF sales at Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, and Katowice, ORLEN is helping Poland 🇵🇱 meet these requirements and making it easier for airlines to comply.

For more details on the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation and its requirements, you can visit the official European Commission aviation page.

Production and Supply Chain: Building for the Future

To make sure there is enough SAF for the future, ORLEN is building a new hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) facility at its Płock refinery. This plant, which costs over PLN 1.4 billion, is expected to be finished in 2025. Once it’s running, ORLEN will be able to make SAF in Poland 🇵🇱 using used cooking oils and other local waste materials. This will reduce the need to import SAF from other countries.

Until the new plant is ready, ORLEN is getting SAF components from abroad. This means that while the fuel is available now, the supply may be limited until domestic production ramps up.

Environmental and Practical Benefits

Switching to SAF has several important benefits:

• Lower Emissions: SAF can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its entire lifecycle compared to regular jet fuel. The exact reduction depends on the feedstock and how the fuel is made.
• No Need for New Equipment: Because SAF is blended with regular jet fuel and works in all current jet engines, airlines and airports do not need to buy new planes or change their fueling systems.
• Supports Airline Sustainability Goals: Airlines like LOT Polish Airlines can now use SAF to meet their own climate targets and report progress to regulators and customers.
• Helps Meet EU Climate Targets: By using SAF, Poland 🇵🇱 and its airlines are helping the EU reach its climate goals for aviation.

Implications for Pending Applications and Future Planning

Airlines that have already applied for fuel supply agreements or are planning to expand operations at Polish airports should review their applications and contracts to make sure they include SAF. This is especially important for airlines that want to show they are meeting EU rules and for those seeking to attract environmentally conscious passengers.

For airlines planning new routes or increased flights from Poland 🇵🇱, it’s important to factor in the growing SAF requirements. As the EU increases the SAF mandate over the next 25 years, airlines will need to secure more SAF and may need to adjust their supply chains and logistics.

Additional Initiatives: Hydrogen and E-Fuels

ORLEN is not stopping with SAF. The company is also working on other green projects:

• HySPARK Project: ORLEN is building a hydrogen refuelling station at Warsaw Chopin Airport. This will allow ground support vehicles (like baggage carts and buses) to run on zero-emission hydrogen fuel.
• E-Fuels Research: ORLEN is partnering with universities and research centers to develop new types of synthetic aviation fuels. These e-fuels use renewable hydrogen and carbon dioxide from plants or waste, offering even more ways to cut emissions in the future.

Step-by-Step Process for Airlines Using SAF at Polish Airports

1. Request SAF During Refuelling: Airlines can ask for SAF as part of their normal refuelling process at Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, or Katowice airports.
2. Receive Blended Fuel: ORLEN supplies a blend of SAF and regular jet fuel that works in all aircraft.
3. Get Certification: Airlines receive documents showing how much SAF is in their fuel. This helps with regulatory compliance and sustainability reporting.
4. Keep Records: Airlines should keep these certificates for audits and to show they are meeting EU requirements.
5. Plan for Future Increases: As SAF targets rise, airlines should work with ORLEN and other suppliers to secure enough SAF for future needs.

Contact and Resources for Airlines and Stakeholders

• ORLEN Website: For more information or to start a SAF supply agreement, visit www.orlen.pl.
• Technical and Regulatory Details: The “Media” and “Innovations” sections of the ORLEN website have more information about SAF availability, technical details, and compliance.
• EU Aviation Rules: For official information on the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, visit the European Commission’s aviation page.

Industry and Expert Reactions

Industry experts and environmental groups have welcomed ORLEN’s SAF launch as a big step forward for Poland’s aviation sector. They say that while the current supply of SAF is still limited, ORLEN’s move is likely to encourage more investment in clean aviation fuels and speed up the shift to low-carbon air travel.

Experts also stress the need for Poland 🇵🇱 to increase domestic SAF production. As the EU raises its SAF targets, having a local supply will help airlines avoid shortages and keep costs down.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, this rollout puts Poland 🇵🇱 ahead in Central Europe’s push for greener aviation and sets a strong example for other countries in the region.

Summary Table: ORLEN SAF Launch at Polish Airports (July 2025)

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

• Airlines must now use SAF at Poland’s largest airports to meet EU rules.
• ORLEN’s SAF is available at Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, and Katowice airports.
• Airlines should update contracts, request SAF, and keep documentation for compliance.
• SAF supply will grow as ORLEN’s new plant opens in 2025, making it easier to meet future EU targets.
• Passengers can expect cleaner flights, and the aviation sector is moving toward a greener future.

By acting now, airlines and stakeholders can stay ahead of regulatory changes, support climate goals, and help shape the future of sustainable aviation in Poland 🇵🇱 and across Europe.

Learn Today

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) → A renewable jet fuel made from waste or biomass, reducing carbon emissions by up to 80%.
ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation → An EU law requiring increasing SAF use at large airports to cut aviation greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO) → A renewable fuel produced by processing vegetable oils, used to make SAF domestically in Poland.
Jet Fuel Blending → Mixing SAF with conventional jet fuel to ensure compatibility without modifying aircraft engines.
Certification → Official documents proving the SAF content in fuel deliveries for regulatory compliance and reporting.

This Article in a Nutshell

In July 2025, ORLEN introduced Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Poland’s largest airports. This aligns with EU regulations, promoting cleaner aviation. SAF cuts emissions drastically, is fully compatible with current aircraft, and supports airlines’ sustainability goals. Poland leads Central Europe’s shift to greener air travel with this critical change.
— By VisaVerge.com