Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Sustainable Aviation Fuels are alternative jet fuels produced from renewable feedstocks that can significantly reduce aviation's carbon emissions compared to conventional petroleum-based jet fuel. The fuels are designed to be drop-in replacements, meaning they can be blended with or fully substitute traditional jet fuel without requiring modifications to existing aircraft engines or fuel infrastructure. Feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuels include agricultural residues, waste oils, municipal solid waste, forestry biomass, algae and dedicated energy crops such as sugarcane. Production pathways vary but commonly involve processes such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, hydroprocessing of esters and fatty acids, and alcohol-to-jet conversion. The aviation sector views sustainable aviation fuels as a critical tool for decarbonisation, particularly for long-haul flights where battery-electric and hydrogen propulsion remain technologically challenging. Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from sustainable aviation fuels can be up to 80% lower than conventional jet fuel, depending on feedstock and production method. Adoption is driven by regulatory pressure, corporate sustainability commitments and international climate targets, though high production costs and limited supply remain barriers to widespread deployment. Governments and industry bodies worldwide are implementing blending mandates, tax incentives and investment programmes to scale up production capacity. The International Air Transport Association has set a target for the aviation industry to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with sustainable aviation fuels expected to contribute about 65% of the required emissions reductions. Major airlines, fuel producers and agricultural sectors are forming partnerships to secure feedstock supply chains and expand refining infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuels.