European aviation leaders urge policymakers to boost sustainable aviation fuel production and strengthen energy independence

Credit: ACI Europe

Europe’s aviation industry has outlined seven key measures to boost Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, urging EU policymakers to adopt a dedicated SAF industrial strategy. A new report by advisory firm ICF, commissioned by six industry bodies, highlights that Europe’s SAF production lags behind targets, worsened by US and Chinese industrial policies. Without action, the EU may rely on costly SAF imports, undermining energy independence and job creation. The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) present opportunities to implement these measures and strengthen Europe’s aviation sustainability and competitiveness.

“Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) isn’t just the key to decarbonising aviation in the short term, it’s an opportunity for Europe to establish itself as a global leader in a new form of energy. The competition is intense and the choice is clear. If policymakers step up and implement the measures in this report, Europe can lead the transition to decarbonised aviation, increase its energy independence and enhance its competitiveness. The Clean Industrial Deal and Sustainable Transport Investment Plan are ideal opportunities to get started,” the heads of associations of A4E, ACI EUROPE, ARC, ASD, ERA and GAMA said.

What was in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel report?

The report highlights that this negative projection for Europe is not guaranteed and a concerted policy push can boost SAF production in Europe. Amongst the recommendations are:

• Introducing risk‑sharing mechanisms, such as Contracts for Difference, to unlock private investments and reduce consumer costs.
• Enhancing financial support for advanced SAF facilities, including capital grants and loan guarantees.
• Prioritising access to feedstocks and renewable electricity to ensure sustainable and competitive production.
• Refining existing mechanisms, such as adding increased flexibilities to the ReFuelEU Aviation mandate and ETS allowances, to improve market efficiency and reduce volatility.

Find the full report here.