Shifting to sustainable aviation fuel

Many people diligently save throughout the year to enjoy that long-awaited vacation, contributing to the Travel & Tourism sector that is a cornerstone of the global economy. Valued at $9.5 trillion in 2023 and supporting 320 million jobs, this thriving industry also leaves a substantial environmental impact, primarily due to its carbon-intensive operations. In 2019, transportation alone accounted for 13.8% of tourism-related emissions, with international flights representing a significant share of this footprint.

Reducing the climate impact of aviation is a complex but essential goal, with several promising approaches currently under active research and development. However, these solutions such as battery or hybrid electric aircraft, hydrogen fuel technologies, and advanced materials and engine performance enhancements, face significant challenges. Governments have also explored regulatory measures or taxes to curb aviation usage altogether. However, organisations like WTTC and ICF are optimistic that innovation and international collaboration can dramatically reduce aviation’s carbon footprint without restricting its growth.

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs)

Among these solutions, SAFs stand out as the most immediately viable contribution to decarbonising the sector. SAFs are already certified safe and have powered hundreds of thousands of flights, demonstrating their potential to transform air travel. Despite their promise, production remains limited compared to the billions of litres of jet fuel required globally. Yet, SAFs offer a clear path toward reducing emissions and fostering a more sustainable Travel & Tourism sector.

Today’s commercial aircraft primarily rely on fuel derived from crude oil, while SAFs represent a game-changing alternative. It is an umbrella term for jet fuels produced from various non-crude oil sources, known as feedstocks, such as waste materials that are converted into liquid fuel. Chemically, SAFs are nearly identical to conventional fossil-based jet fuels. They can be blended with traditional jet fuel in current aircraft engines without requiring modifications, with blending ratios ranging from 10% to 50%, depending on the feedstock and production technology used.

Opportunities in SAF

Significantly, modern aircraft with advanced engine technologies have demonstrated the ability to operate entirely on 100% SAF, eliminating the need for blending. For example, in January 2023, Emirates successfully operated a Boeing 777 with one of its engines powered entirely by SAF. Similarly, in March 2023, Airbus flew an A321neo with both engines running on 100% SAF. A key advantage of SAF lies in its compatibility with existing aircraft and airport infrastructure, requiring no significant modifications, making it a true drop-in solution.  

The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Institute (CAAFI) identifies over 130 potential SAF feedstocks, categorised as biological (waste lipids, crops, municipal waste) and non-biological (industrial gases, captured carbon). Depending on the feedstocks and production technologies employed, SAF can achieve up to 100% reduction in net carbon emissions (or even more with the integration of carbon capture) when assessed on a life cycle basis, compared to traditional jet fuel.  

It offers the unique advantage of being producible and usable anywhere, unlike conventional fossil fuels. This makes it globally accessible, reducing aviation's reliance on fluctuating fossil fuel prices influenced by geopolitics. For instance, small islands could convert landfill waste into SAF, large nations could utilise agricultural byproducts, and countries rich in solar or wind energy could adopt Power-to-Liquid (PtL) technologies for SAF production. SAF can also help create new industries, grow local economies and support a country’s energy independence.

SAF represents a transformative step towards decarbonising aviation, offering a versatile solution adaptable to diverse geographic and resource contexts. While challenges remain, such as scaling production, managing costs, and ensuring feedstock availability, ongoing advancements in technology and global commitment to sustainability are paving the way for wider adoption.  

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