If you’ve ever sat on a flight and wondered about the environmental impact of air travel, you’re not alone. Air travel contributes to around 2.5% of global carbon dioxide emissions. However, it has a higher influence on global warming, contributing 4%. This is a pressing issue for businesses relying heavily on flights for travel.
According to the EPA, commercial airplanes and large business jets account for 10% of emissions from the U.S. transportation sector and contribute 3% to the country’s overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a promising solution for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. In this blog, we’ll break down SAF in simple terms, explain why it matters, and explore how it can make business travel more sustainable.
What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
SAF is a type of fuel designed to replace conventional jet fuel. It is not derived from fossil fuels like traditional fuels. SAF is produced from sustainable materials such as:
- Plant-based materials (e.g., algae, corn, or used cooking oil)
- Waste products (e.g., agricultural residues)
- Synthetic methods that use captured carbon and renewable energy
The critical difference? SAF generates significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. Depending on the feedstock and production process, SAF can cut CO2 emissions by up to 80%. Further, sustainable aviation fuel costs 3-5 times more than traditional fuels.
How Does SAF Work?
Sustainable fuel isn’t entirely different from traditional jet fuel in terms of chemical composition. This similarity allows it to be blended with regular jet fuel and used in existing aircraft engines without requiring modifications. Most SAFs currently used in aviation are mixed with traditional jet fuels in ratios of 10%-50%.
Aircraft operating on SAF show no performance differences compared to those using conventional fuel, making it a seamless alternative.
Why Should Businesses Care About SAF?
If your company regularly books flights, you have a role to play in supporting sustainable practices. Here’s what is sustainable aviation fuel and why it should be on your radar:
1. Reduced Carbon Footprint
Organizations are under increasing pressure to meet sustainability goals as global warming accelerates. By encouraging using SAF for business flights, your company can actively reduce its environmental impact. This aligns with corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and demonstrates a commitment to the planet.
2. Improved Brand Image
Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a key differentiator. Businesses that adopt green practices appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, investors, and employees. By integrating sustainable aviation fuel into your corporate travel program, you position your brand as a forward-thinking and responsible organization.
3. Compliance With Emission Regulations
Governments and international bodies are implementing stricter aviation emissions regulations. SAF adoption can help companies stay ahead of regulatory requirements, avoiding potential penalties and operational challenges.
4. Contributing to Industry Growth
Investing in SAF sends fuel producers and airlines a strong message: sustainable solutions are a priority. Your support helps drive demand for SAF, encouraging further production and innovation.
The Current Challenges of SAF Adoption
Although SAF sounds like a dream solution, there are challenges to its widespread adoption. These include:
- High Costs: Sustainable aviation fuel costs are higher than conventional jet fuel, limiting affordability.
- Limited Availability: Only a handful of airports worldwide offer SAF, making it difficult for airlines to adopt it broadly.
- Production Constraints: The feedstocks and technology required for SAF production are still developing, restricting the supply.
Despite these hurdles, governments, airlines, and fuel producers invest heavily in SAF to scale production and lower costs.
How Businesses Can Support SAF Adoption?
You don’t have to be an airline or fuel producer to support SAF. Here’s how you can contribute:
1. Choose Airlines Using SAF
Some airlines are already incorporating SAF into their operations. When booking flights, prioritize carriers with strong sustainability initiatives. Airlines like KLM, Delta, and Lufthansa are leading the charge in sustainable aviation fuel adoption.
2. Encourage Carbon Offsetting Programs
While SAF adoption grows, consider supporting carbon offset programs to neutralize the emissions of your business flights. Many travel management platforms offer built-in carbon tracking and offsetting tools.
3. Advocate for SAF Investment
Collaborate with your travel management company (TMC) to advocate for SAF investments. The more demand businesses generate, the faster the industry will scale SAF production. Sustainable aviation fuel costs between $6.40 and $19.01 per gallon to produce.
4. Educate Employees
Make sustainability a company-wide effort by educating employees about the benefits of SAF. This can encourage mindful travel choices and amplify your corporate sustainability goals.
Current Adoption of SAF
Several companies and airlines are already leveraging SAF to reduce emissions. For example:
- Google: The tech giant has partnered with airlines to include SAF in its travel programs, significantly lowering its carbon footprint.
- Microsoft: Through its Sustainable Aviation Fund, Microsoft is investing in SAF to decarbonize its business travel.
- Airlines: Delta Airlines has pledged to replace 10% of its jet fuel consumption with SAF by 2030, and United Airlines is testing 100% SAF-powered flights.
The Future of SAF and Business Travel
Now that you’ve understood what is sustainable aviation fuel, let’s talk about if it is currently being implemented for future projects. The future of SAF looks promising as governments, corporations, and individuals work together to achieve sustainability goals. Key developments include:
- Technological Advancements : Innovations in SAF production methods, such as using synthetic biology or renewable energy, are expected to lower costs and increase availability.
- Global Commitments : Initiatives like the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 drive SAF adoption.
- Increased Collaboration : Partnerships between airlines, fuel producers, and corporations pave the way for a robust SAF ecosystem.
For business travelers, these developments mean a future where air travel becomes more sustainable without sacrificing convenience or efficiency.
Why Your Shift Matters?
The shift toward sustainable aviation fuel isn’t just an industry responsibility—it’s a collective one. As a business traveler or decision-maker, your choices can influence airlines and policymakers to prioritize sustainable solutions. By advocating for SAF and incorporating it into your travel strategy, you’re helping shape a greener future.
As we move toward a sustainable future, every action counts. Your business can play a pivotal role in reducing aviation’s carbon footprint by making informed travel choices. After all, the sustainability journey isn’t just about where we’re headed—it’s about how we get there. With itilite business travel software, you can track your carbon emissions and invest in carbon offsetting projects!
Book a free demo with us to know more!
