Aviation sector on green transition path

The aviation industry is at a critical juncture. With aviation responsible for 2% to 3% of global CO₂ emissions, the push for decarbonisation has never been more urgent. Among the most promising solutions on the horizon is SAF, an alternative fuel designed to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional jet fuel.

-Dr Shehara Fernando

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is not a futuristic concept; it is a reality that has already being blended into aviation operations of late. Derived from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, municipal waste, agricultural residues, and even carbon captured directly from the air, SAF can reduce emissions by up to 80 per cent.

What makes the alternative fuel particularly attractive is its compatibility with existing aircraft and refuelling infrastructure, meaning it can be used as a ‘drop-in’ replacement without the need for costly modifications.

Governments, industry leaders, and environmental advocates are increasingly aligning their efforts to scale the production and adoption of SAF. Countries such as the USA, the United Kingdom, and the UAE are introducing national strategies and incentives to encourage investment in SAF technologies and facilities.

Major airlines and airports are setting ambitious targets to transition to SAF, positioning it as a central pillar of their sustainability strategies. However, challenges remain — from high production costs and limited supply chains to regulatory hurdles and feedstock availability. Addressing these issues will require coordinated global action, public-private partnerships and continuous innovation.

Despite the obstacles, the momentum behind SAF is undeniable. As the world is heading towards net-zero emissions, this alternative fuel presents a practical and immediate path forward for aviation’s green transition. It not only supports climate goals but also signals a broader shift towards a resilient and sustainable future for global air cargo sector.

The mandate, which was introduced in January 2025, requires in-scope operators (those that fly 500 flights annually) to uplift a 2 per cent SAF blend at designated airports in continental Europe.

SAF reduces emissions, cuts operational costs

Hamdi Osman, Founder and CEO, SolitAir

SAF is likely to grow to €50 billion by 2030 and to €500 billion by 2050. As the biofuel becomes accessible, it can help future-proof operations and reduce long-term costs. Regulators should create incentives, associations must be involved in the process, and operators must be empowered through partnerships to adopt SAF without compromising regional link.

Industry should incentivise production

Liana Coyne, Director, Coyne Airways Aviation is a vital contributor to CO2 emissions, accounting for 2–3 per cent annually. In the absence of transformative tech advances, the way to cut emissions is by adopting SAF. However, SAF remains limited in availability and can cost over four times more than conventional jet fuel. Regulatory intervention is a must: Policymakers can speed up industry’s transition to greener alternatives by incentivising production and lowering costs.

SAF to reshape ME air cargo by cutting emissions

Zameer Marikkar, Chief Commercial Officer, Fits Cargo

SAF adoption will reshape Middle East air cargo by reducing CO2 footprint and enhancing global competitiveness. With increasing pressure from eco-conscious clients and global regulations, regional hubs will likely invest in SAF-ready infrastructure, enabling carriers to meet sustainability goals, while maintaining operational efficiency across key trade and logistics corridors.

Operators seeking SAF uptake find supply absent

Daniel Coetzer, CEO, TITAN Aviation International

We understand the ReFuelEU mandate is aiming to help the environment, but it is not a one-size-fits-all regulation. We are serving three groups in Europe. Our customers include operators that don’t need to uplift the 2 per cent SAF but who do not have a choice in doing so at many airports. Operators would like to uplift a higher blend of SAF but cannot find it as the supply is not there. Our objective is to help them ensure compliance and simplify the SAF uplift process.

Middle East must scale up SAF production

Chaminda Perera, Head, Cargo, SriLankan Airlines

Countries in the Middle East, especially UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are focused on sustainability through Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and UAE’s Net Zero 2050. Major carriers in the Middle East are working towards using SAF in their operations. The Gulf region holds the capital and feedstock to scale SAF production. It is evident the Middle East region will focus on leaving a green footprint to cater to sustainability.

ME may produce 700 mn litres of SAF by 2030

Glyn Hughes, Director General, TIACA

Commercial aviation sector, to establish net zero emissions targets, has set through the ICAO mechanism when it adopted the Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) in October 2022. The LTAG seeks to have zero operations by 2025. To achieve that target, SAF is expected to account for 65 per cent of the overall reduction, which will also impact Middle East-based carriers. It aims to produce 700 million litres annually by 2030.