Airlines Face Harsh Realities in Cutting Emissions with Green Jet Fuel

As the aviation industry faces growing pressure to cut its carbon footprint, airlines and governments are turning to green jet fuel—especially Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—as a key solution. However, the path to cleaner skies is far from simple. Airlines, regulators, and travelers must weigh the benefits, costs, and practical realities of adopting SAF versus sticking with traditional jet fuel. This comparison will help you understand the options, what’s required for each, and which approach might make the most sense depending on your situation.

Let’s break down the main choices: using conventional jet fuel or switching to green jet fuel, with a focus on Sustainable Aviation Fuel. We’ll look at requirements, timelines, costs, pros and cons, and offer guidance for airlines, policymakers, and travelers.

What Are the Options?

• Conventional Jet Fuel: The standard fuel used by airlines for decades. It’s made from fossil fuels and is the main source of aviation emissions.
• Green Jet Fuel (Sustainable Aviation Fuel or SAF): A newer type of fuel made from renewable sources like waste oils, crops, or even captured carbon. SAF can be blended with regular jet fuel and used in existing aircraft.

Side-by-Side Analysis: Requirements, Timelines, and Costs

1. Production and Supply

• Conventional Jet Fuel:
  • Production: Well-established, global supply chains.
  • Availability: Readily available at all airports.
  • Cost: Lower and more stable due to mature infrastructure and fossil fuel subsidies.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF):
  • Production: Still limited. In 2025, global SAF production is expected to reach about 2 million tonnes (2.5 billion liters), according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
  • Availability: Only a small share of total aviation fuel—about 0.7% in 2025—will be SAF.
  • Cost: About five times more expensive than regular jet fuel, mainly because of complex production and limited supply.

2. Environmental Impact

• Conventional Jet Fuel:
  • Emissions: High greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to global warming.
  • Regulation: Increasingly subject to carbon taxes, emissions trading, and offset requirements.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel:
  • Emissions: Can cut lifecycle GHG emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional fuel, depending on how it’s made.
  • Regulation: Favored by new policies and can help airlines meet strict emissions rules.

3. Policy and Regulatory Requirements

• Conventional Jet Fuel:
  • Mandates: No blending requirements, but airlines face growing costs from emissions rules.
  • Reporting: Airlines must track and report emissions under systems like the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS).
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel:
  • Mandates:
  • European Union 🇪🇺 and United Kingdom 🇬🇧: As of January 1, 2025, both require a 2% SAF blend in jet fuel, rising to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040 in the UK.
  • United States 🇺🇸: No national mandate yet, but Congress is debating tax credits and sustainability rules.
  • International (ICAO): The International Civil Aviation Organization aims for a 5% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2030 using SAF and other clean energy.
  • Reporting: Airlines must document SAF use, including feedstock sources and emissions savings, often through registries like the IATA SAF Registry.
  • Compliance: Airlines may receive tradable certificates or allowances for using SAF.

4. Costs and Economic Impact

• Conventional Jet Fuel:
  • Fuel Bill: Lower, but rising due to carbon pricing and offset requirements.
  • Operational Costs: More predictable, but likely to increase as climate policies tighten.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel:
  • Fuel Bill: Much higher. In 2025, the global extra cost for SAF is estimated at $4.4 billion.
  • Mandate Compliance: Airlines in Europe will spend about $1.2 billion on SAF and another $1.7 billion on compliance costs in 2025.
  • Ticket Prices: Higher fuel costs may be passed on to travelers.

5. Timelines

• Conventional Jet Fuel:
  • Short-term: No changes needed, but costs will rise as emissions rules get stricter.
  • Long-term: Increasing pressure to switch to cleaner fuels.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel:
  • Short-term: Mandates start at 2% in 2025 in the EU and UK.
  • Medium-term: Targets rise to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040 in the UK.
  • Long-term: Net-zero targets for 2050 mean SAF will need to play a much bigger role.

Pros and Cons for Different Situations

Conventional Jet Fuel

• Pros:
  • Widely available and easy to use.
  • Lower cost and stable supply.
  • No changes needed for aircraft or airport infrastructure.
• Cons:
  • High emissions, making it a target for new taxes and regulations.
  • Airlines may face growing costs from carbon pricing and offset schemes.
  • Not compatible with long-term climate goals.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

• Pros:
  • Can reduce emissions by up to 85% over its lifecycle.
  • Helps airlines meet new government mandates and avoid penalties.
  • Compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure.
  • Supported by international bodies like ICAO and IATA.
• Cons:
  • Much more expensive than regular jet fuel.
  • Limited supply—only 0.7% of aviation fuel in 2025 will be SAF.
  • Some types (crop-based) may cause other environmental problems, like deforestation.
  • Airlines may need to raise ticket prices to cover higher costs.

Special Considerations for Stakeholders

Airlines:
Airlines support the move to SAF but warn that costs and supply shortages could hurt their business. They want more government support, including subsidies and help with long-term contracts. Airlines also need clear rules and reporting systems to prove they’re meeting mandates.

Environmental Groups:
Environmentalists prefer SAF made from waste materials, not crops. They worry that crop-based SAF could lead to deforestation and threaten food supplies. They push for strict rules to make sure SAF is truly sustainable.

Policymakers:
Governments in the EU 🇪🇺 and UK 🇬🇧 are using mandates to force the market to grow. They face criticism over whether supply is ready and if the costs are fair to airlines and travelers. The United States 🇺🇸 is still debating how strict its rules should be.

Investors:
Investors are being encouraged to fund new SAF plants and technologies. They want policy certainty and incentives to make these risky investments worthwhile.

Travelers:
Passengers may see higher ticket prices but will also get more information about the environmental impact of their flights. Some may choose airlines that use more SAF for climate reasons.

Step-by-Step: How Airlines Meet SAF Mandates

1. Fuel Procurement: Airlines sign contracts with certified SAF suppliers to lock in supply and prices.
2. Blending: Fuel suppliers mix SAF with regular jet fuel to meet the required percentage (2% in 2025).
3. Certification and Reporting: Airlines and suppliers document how much SAF they use, where it comes from, and how much it cuts emissions. This is tracked in national or international registries.
4. Compliance: Airlines submit proof to regulators and may get tradable certificates or allowances.
5. Cost Recovery: Airlines may raise ticket prices or seek subsidies to cover higher fuel costs.

Decision-Making Framework: Which Option Is Best?

For Airlines:
– If you operate mainly in the EU 🇪🇺 or UK 🇬🇧: You must use at least 2% SAF in 2025, rising over time. Start building relationships with SAF suppliers and plan for higher costs.
– If you operate globally: Watch for new mandates in other regions and consider voluntary SAF use to get ahead of future rules.
– If you’re a low-cost carrier: Carefully weigh the impact of higher fuel costs on your business model.

For Policymakers:
– If you want to cut emissions quickly: Mandates and incentives can drive SAF adoption, but be ready to address supply and cost challenges.
– If you’re worried about food security or land use: Focus on waste-based SAF and set strict sustainability standards.

For Travelers:
– If you care about climate impact: Look for airlines that use SAF and are transparent about their emissions.
– If ticket price is your main concern: Be aware that SAF mandates may lead to higher fares, especially in regions with strict rules.

Comparing the Details: Conventional Jet Fuel vs. Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Recommendations for Specific Circumstances

• Large international airlines: Start investing in SAF supply contracts and work with governments to shape future rules. Consider joining industry groups like IATA for guidance.
• Regional or budget airlines: Monitor policy changes closely and plan for gradual SAF adoption. Explore partnerships to share costs.
• Governments: Use a mix of mandates, incentives, and clear sustainability rules. Support research into new types of SAF, like eFuels, to expand supply.
• Travelers: Ask airlines about their SAF use and look for carbon reporting when booking flights.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Green Jet Fuel

The push for green jet fuel is only getting stronger. By 2030, airlines in the EU 🇪🇺 and UK 🇬🇧 will need to use at least 10% SAF, and the UK target jumps to 22% by 2040. Meeting these goals will require huge investments in new production plants, better supply chains, and new technologies like eFuels (synthetic fuels made from green hydrogen and captured carbon).

Policy debates will continue, especially over what counts as “sustainable.” Some countries may focus on waste-based SAF, while others allow crop-based fuels. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA will keep pushing for global standards and better tracking.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

• Airlines:
  • Start planning for higher SAF use now. Build relationships with suppliers and invest in tracking systems.
  • Work with industry groups and governments to shape fair, workable rules.
  • Educate passengers about the benefits and costs of SAF.
• Policymakers:
  • Set clear, realistic mandates and provide incentives for SAF production.
  • Invest in research and development for new types of green jet fuel.
  • Ensure strong sustainability standards to avoid unintended harm.
• Travelers:
  • Stay informed about how your travel choices affect the environment.
  • Support airlines that are transparent about their emissions and SAF use.

For more information on Sustainable Aviation Fuel and official guidance, visit the International Civil Aviation Organization’s SAF page.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the reality is that while green jet fuel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel offer real hope for cutting emissions, the road ahead is challenging. Costs are high, supply is limited, and not all SAF is created equal. Still, with smart policies, investment, and cooperation across the industry, SAF can become a bigger part of aviation’s future.

Key Takeaways

• SAF is essential for meeting climate goals but is currently expensive and in short supply.
• Mandates are driving adoption in the EU 🇪🇺 and UK 🇬🇧, with more regions likely to follow.
• Costs will rise for airlines and possibly travelers, but the environmental benefits are significant.
• Choosing the right approach depends on your role—airline, policymaker, or traveler—and your priorities.
• Stay informed and involved as the rules and technology continue to evolve.

By understanding the differences between conventional jet fuel and green jet fuel, especially Sustainable Aviation Fuel, you can make better decisions—whether you’re running an airline, shaping policy, or booking your next flight.

Learn Today

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) → Renewable jet fuel made from waste or captured carbon, reducing emissions significantly compared to fossil jet fuel.
Conventional Jet Fuel → Traditional fossil-based aviation fuel used worldwide, producing high greenhouse gas emissions.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) → Global trade association representing airlines, promoting safe, secure, and sustainable air transport.
Emissions Trading System (ETS) → A market-based approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for emission reductions.
eFuels → Synthetic fuels produced using green hydrogen and captured carbon to create sustainable jet fuel alternatives.

This Article in a Nutshell

Green jet fuel, especially Sustainable Aviation Fuel, offers a cleaner future but faces cost and supply challenges. Policy mandates in the EU and UK drive adoption, requiring airlines to blend SAF increasingly by 2040 while balancing economics, sustainability, and technological complexities for greener skies globally.
— By VisaVerge.com