Picture credit: Air bp
SAF is made from sustainable sources, such as materials like household waste or used cooking oil, and produces an average of 70% less carbon emissions than traditional fossil-based aviation fuel.
By law, this type of fuel must now make up at least 2% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the UK from 2025, growing year-on-year to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.
These targets should see around 1.2 million tonnes of SAF supplied to the UK airline industry each year by 2030 – enough to circle the globe 3,000 times.
Being one of the first countries in the world to sign the mandate into law, the UK is at the forefront of decarbonising air travel and is helping to kickstart the Government’s Plan for Change.
The government has also confirmed it will introduce a revenue certainty mechanism – a consultation on which will be launched early this year – for SAF producers to attract investment in new plants in the UK.
Mike Kane, Minister for Aviation, said: “From this moment on, aviation will be a greener, more sustainable form of travel and today marks a significant milestone for the UK SAF industry.
“With thousands of jobs supporting the UK SAF industry and flying becoming popular than ever, the mandate will help deliver our Plan for Change helping to grow the economy and giving people the freedom to travel in a more sustainable way.”
Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, said: “UK airlines support the SAF mandate as both a powerful and practical tool for driving down aviation carbon emissions and a clear signal that the industry is fully committed to a net zero future. Our priority is ensuring airlines have access to the increasing volumes of SAF required to meet the mandate as global demand soars, at the most competitive price possible for consumers.”
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “The SAF mandate is an important step towards decarbonising air travel, and we are pleased the government has continued the work of its predecessor to implement it.”
Duncan McCourt, Chief Executive of Sustainable Aviation, said: “Sustainable Aviation welcomes the introduction of this mandate, which will drive the demand needed to help deliver SAF at scale. SAF is a critical component in the industry’s plan to reach net zero, representing almost 40% of the carbon reduction that will make net zero a reality in 2050.”
