The European aviation and fuel industries have issued a unified call for the European Union to adopt seven critical measures to accelerate the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), aiming to reduce reliance on imports and advance the aviation sector’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

These measures address the pressing challenges of high costs, raw material shortages, and technological barriers, ensuring Europe remains competitive in the global low-carbon aviation transition.

First, the industry urges the EU to provide robust financial incentives, including tax breaks and subsidies, to close the significant price gap between SAF and conventional jet fuel, which currently costs several times more.

Second, it advocates for a unified regulatory framework to streamline SAF production and certification processes, fostering cross-border collaboration.

Third, the industry emphasizes increased funding for SAF feedstock research, such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and synthetic fuel technologies, to address potential raw material shortages post-2030.

Fourth, it calls for expanded infrastructure investments to support the retrofitting of existing refineries and the construction of new SAF production facilities.

Fifth, the industry seeks long-term policy commitments to boost investor confidence and attract more private capital.

Sixth, it proposes working with airlines to develop a phased plan for mandatory SAF blending ratios, aligning with the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation’s target of 6% SAF usage by 2030.

Finally, the industry stresses the need for enhanced international cooperation to prevent Europe from becoming dependent on SAF imports from the U.S. or Asia due to high costs and production constraints.

These measures underscore the European aviation sector’s focus on energy security and its strategic positioning in the SAF industry. The industry warns that without strong policy support, Europe risks falling behind in the global SAF market, jeopardSJ undermining its climate goals and economic interests. While the EU has implemented some measures, such as Denmark’s €36 million SAF aid scheme, the industry insists that broader, coordinated action is essential.