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Sustainable Aviation Fuels:
APaving the Path to Green Skies
midst the backdrop of a rapidly changing climate — character- ized by unprecedented events such as the hottest July on re-
cord, soaring ocean and land temperatures, climate activists vandalizing private jets, and airports facing reduced operations or complete termination — the aviation industry’s pursuit of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) has undeniably intensified.
At EAA’s AirVenture this year, sus- tainability was a major focus for promi- nent companies like Boeing, Textron, and others. AeroShell made significant strides by promoting SAF through its re- cent decarbonization and SAF marketing initiatives. Additionally, United Airlines effectively leverages beloved icons like Sesame Street’s Oscar the Grouch to reinforce its commitment to SAF and sustainability.
by Tigre Pickett
United Airlines employs Oscar the Grouch to tell its SAF campaign story.
These collective efforts are crucial, and we can applaud them. However, the aviation sector still faces critical challeng- es in meeting the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) ambitious targets for carbon reduction by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Continuous investment, research, transparent policies, and financial
12 • TWIN & TURBINE / October 2023
United Airlines’ SAF awareness campaign.
incentives for SAF production and distribution are imperative to overcome these challenges.
In 2022, IATA estimates that the global produc- tion of SAF ranged between 300 and 450 million gallons, amounting to a mere 0.4% of all jet fuel consumed annually. As SAF holds the utmost im- portance in achieving IATA’s targets compared to other decarbonization efforts, including efficiency improvements or market-based measures, producers are relentlessly working to find the optimal balance between feedstock sourcing, technology advance- ments, efficient distribution, and economic viability.
International SAF Regulations, Production and Availability
The aviation industry is undergoing significant changes driven by the EU’s recent ReFuelEU Aviation rules. These regulations mandate fuel suppliers to provide 10% SAF by volume for all Jet A fuel sold in the EU by 2030, with ambitious plans to increase
this to 70% by 2050. To further promote SAF usage and reduce emissions, operators departing from EU airports will face restrictions on tankering fuel. These restrictions prevent operators from carrying excess fuel weight, which contributes to increased emissions. Some operators also see tankering as a way to avoid purchasing SAF in the first place.