Efficiency at altitude

Demand for flights bounced back sharply after the pandemic and remains on an upward trajectory, but uptake of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has failed to keep pace. This poses a problem for airlines under pressure to cut their carbon emissions, and for policymakers.

While regulations have sought to increase SAF use, relying on SAF alone to curb carbon emissions is neither realistic nor cost-optimal. We outlined the challenges with SAF in our article on low-emissions fuels, published in the EOS Q1 2025 Public Engagement Report. These include limited infrastructure development and production capacity, lengthy and complex certification processes, feedstock availability issues, and regulatory misalignment.

Some of these challenges were discussed at a Q4 2025 public policy engagement meeting that we attended with EU regulators, an aviation association, several international airlines and a SAF producer. Participants argued that European SAF adoption is hindered by unfair pricing, opaque surcharges, and limited infrastructure access controlled by dominant suppliers.

Airlines face significant compliance fees under the ReFuelEU policy package, and lack transparency or sustainability documentation, reducing their ability to claim SAF benefits. High costs, market distortions, and infrastructure barriers deter new suppliers and early investment. Participants saw an urgent need for policy reform, transparency, and defining standards on infrastructure access to support the development of a market for SAF.

There are several ways for airlines to reduce their fuel consumption, which range from the technological to the operational, all of which will help to reduce costs and ultimately increase profitability. To find out more, read the full article in our Q1 2026 Public Engagement Report.