Decarbonization of the aviation sector

Why it matters

SAF can reduce life-cycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% per liter, and as a drop-in solution it requires no modifications to airline operations, enabling immediate adoption. SAF certificates already enable companies to claim verifiable Scope 3 reductions from both travel and freight. However, high costs—three to five times higher than conventional jet fuel—and limited technological pathways (mainly HEFA today) constrain large-scale deployment, with SAF accounting for only 0.3% of global aviation fuel use in 2024. Unlocking investments, scaling supply, lowering costs, and driving demand will require strong international cooperation and long-term policy certainty. While synthetic SAF produced from renewable energy and green hydrogen is still at an early stage, it will be essential to complement bio-based SAF. Global South countries, with abundant biomass and renewable resources, are well-positioned to become major supplier hubs, while the SAF value chain creates skilled jobs in agriculture and industry and strengthens energy security.