Green Jet Fuel: Industry Faces Hurdles Despite UK's Pioneering Support

A UK initiative to promote green jet fuel, with plans to introduce a price guarantee for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), faces challenges from high costs and limited supply. Experts urge global action, better investments, and comprehensive policy support to achieve the aviation sector's net-zero emissions target by 2050.

Airline executives at the Farnborough Airshow stressed the urgent need for global action to promote green jet fuel, following the UK's announcement of a price guarantee for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Britain's new Labour government aims to incentivise producers and build infrastructure to enhance SAF production.

Despite airlines' decade-old pledge to switch to biofuels, SAF currently constitutes only 0.2% of the jet fuel market. The industry must increase this to 65% by 2050 to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. High costs and a blame game between airlines and SAF producers have impeded progress.

Executives call for bold investments and robust policy support to bridge the gap. While airlines and manufacturers highlight next-gen aircraft for emission cuts, environmental advocates warn that industry growth is incompatible with sustainability without a significant increase in SAF supply.