Should you really fly on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
If you’re a frequent traveler or simply take a once-a-year flight, you've probably noticed the growing concerns around aviation emissions. You may have even reduced or stopped traveling because of this. That is probably not a bad idea, but flying is sometimes unavoidable. In that case, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (or SAF) could be a solution to reduce your flight carbon footprint. Here’s why you should consider it when taking a next trip.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel and why should I bother?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a new type of jet fuel produced from renewable resources, such as waste fats and oils, or agricultural residues. This fuel has a much lower greenhouse gas impact compared to traditional fossil jet fuel. Unlike carbon offset projects, which include forestation projects, SAF directly reduces emissions at the core, the jet fuel use, tackling the problem at its source rather than shifting it elsewhere.
SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions somewhere between 70-95%, depending on the production process and feedstock used. Airlines have been increasingly using this fuel, to reduce their emissions and to comply with legislation on this, and refineries across the globe are ramping up their production capacity.
Isn’t SAF the responsibility of airlines?
While it’s true that airlines and governments have obligations to reduce emissions, their goals are often longer-term and relatively modest compared to what is needed to limit global warming effectively. SAF use mandates are typically 2%, and leading large airlines are committed to using just 10–15% SAF, but only by 2030, while many smaller airlines don’t have SAF targets. These targets represent a good start but leave a lot of room for additional action..
The reality is that the transition to SAF is costly and complex, requiring substantial industry investment and innovation. Global SAF use today is still below 2%. By purchasing SAF as an individual, you would add to the efforts already underway and accelerate this energy transformation in aviation. So rather than shifting blame and responsibly to the airlines, you could choose to do your share. Every additional SAF purchase supports additional SAF usage and production capacity, leading to additional positive climate impact.
Why not just plant a tree instead?
While offsets are certainly a popular choice, their effectiveness in truly reducing emissions has come under heavy scrutiny. There have been numerous cases of carbon offset programs, particularly those involving reforestation or cookstove projects, falling short in measurable, verifiable results. Some of these projects have been found to lack integrity and, in certain instances, have not delivered the promised environmental benefits.
Offsets also do not reduce emissions within the aviation sector itself. They essentially move the responsibility to other sectors, without addressing the core problem of aviation. Alternatively SAF contributes directly to a tangible and direct reduction in aviation’s environmental impact.
That being said, it is still good to restore and protect forests and built new renewable energy projects.
What about Carbon Removal (CCS) projects?
Carbon removal projects, like direct air capture, also plays an essential role in addressing climate change. However, this does not actually prevent or reduce emissions from flying; instead, CCS remove CO₂ from the atmosphere after the fact. While carbon removal has its place in the overall climate solution, it is a complementary approach, not a substitute for direct emission reductions. To build a truly sustainable future in aviation, we need to prioritize avoiding and reducing emissions first - this is exactly what SAF achieves by replacing fossil fuels with a renewable alternative.
Making a real impact today
Buying SAF as a leisure traveler gives you a unique opportunity to reduce your travel footprint effectively. Every SAF purchase, whether through a credit or a “book-and-claim” program, contributes to scaling up sustainable fuel production and sends a powerful signal to the aviation industry. So, next time you fly, consider choosing SAF—a meaningful way to take climate action that directly impacts the future of sustainable travel.