SAF is a game-changer for industry emissions, but ramp-up is taking time

When it comes to aviation and meeting its environment commitments, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has been the key story generating media and public attention over the past few years.

Google search analytics for the topic of 'Sustainable Aviation Fuel' show that interest in the subject turned up sharply around mid-2020, and has only grown since. Online searches hit an all-time peak in early Dec-2023, and interest remains on a general upward trend.

Interest has been sustained with high-profile SAF firsts in recent months, including the first trans Atlantic flights powered solely by SAF, and commercial flights operating with one engine powered solely by SAF (current regulations limit flights to a 50:50 blend of SAF and the usual aviation kerosene).

Even as SAF generates media public attention, the latest available data shows that the story on uptake of SAF is not nearly as rosy.