European aviation and fuel industry stakeholders have issued an urgent appeal for stronger policy support to accelerate the development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuel across the EU.
In a joint statement, associations representing airlines, airports, cargo operators, and fuel suppliers warned that the SAF market remains in its infancy.
Currently, hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA)-based SAF are the only commercially viable option—yet they remain significantly more expensive than conventional kerosene, according to GREENAIR news report.
The coalition raised concerns that next-generation SAF technologies, including advanced biofuels and synthetic e-fuels, are facing difficulty attracting the necessary investment to reach final investment decisions.
To address these challenges, the industry partners released a 10-point action plan aimed at overcoming early-mover disadvantages and scaling up SAF production capacity.
They argue that without targeted EU-level policy measures and incentives, the aviation sector risks falling short of its decarbonization targets.
The plan was presented to EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas during talks on scaling renewable transport fuels.
“Accelerating the availability and affordability of SAF is essential to achieving the European Union and aviation industry goal of net zero CO2 emissions by 2050,” said the partners.
While backing the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, industry leaders say it needs added measures to ensure long-term investment and build a strong SAF value chain in Europe.
The President of airports body ACI Europe, Stefan Schulte, stated, “By setting SAF mandates, ReFuelEU Aviation provided the ‘sticks’ needed for legal certainty, but failed to provide the ‘carrots’ – namely the financial incentives and flexibility mechanisms required to ensure SAF is produced at scale and at competitive prices. The industry has come together to present a 10-point plan to address this imbalance.”
The plan outlines key regulatory and financial steps to de-risk investment, close the cost gap, and drive innovation in fuels vital to air transport decarbonisation.
It urges the Commission to expand support for SAF by:
Extending EU ETS incentives; Launching dedicated funding calls for advanced SAF and infrastructure from 2025; Adapting EIB financing to SAF project risks; Fast-tracking SAF project development.
Others are: Creating a revenue certainty tool to align supply and demand; Exploring a virtual ticketing system for SAF compliance; Leveling the playing field for EU aviation; Reducing red tape for early movers and SMEs; Boosting European SAF feedstock supply; and Accelerating e-SAF tech testing and certification.
“We urge policymakers at EU and national levels to take immediate action and work together with industry to ensure a timely and robust ramp-up of SAF in Europe,” the industry partners added.
“This call for action for SAF should form part of a more comprehensive and dedicated EU aviation and aeronautics strategy – including new aircraft and engine technology, ATM and carbon removals – to deliver a leading, competitive and sustainable European industry.”
The call is backed by FuelsEurope, Hydrogen Europe, Project SkyPower, the European Express Association, European Cargo Alliance, and Destination 2050 partners—Airlines for Europe, ACI Europe, ASD, CANSO Europe, and the European Regions Airline Association.
