The European aviation industry is grappling with a pressing shortage of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is significantly hindering efforts to reduce carbon emissions. This issue was the focal point of a recent dinner organised by the European Parliament and the Airlines International Representation in Europe (AIRE), where industry leaders and policymakers explored strategies to tackle this growing challenge.
Hosted by Eliza Vozenmberg, Chair of the Transport & Tourism Committee, the event served as a platform for discussing how Europe can strengthen its global position in aviation while addressing the urgent need for sustainability. Decarbonising aviation is vital for Europe’s net-zero ambitions by 2050, but long-term solutions like hydrogen fuel remain years away from widespread implementation. SAF, derived from renewable or waste-based sources, offers an immediate path forward as it is compatible with current engine systems.
The European Union’s Fit for 55 package has introduced SAF usage targets, including 2% by 2025 and 5% by 2030 for flights departing from EU airports. However, the gap between SAF supply and demand is stark; by 2050, the demand for SAF is projected to reach 450 billion litres, but current production estimates for 2025 stand at only 8 billion litres. This disparity underscores the urgent need for regulatory adjustments and production scale-up.
Michael Harrington, Director-General of AIRE, highlighted SAF as the most effective short-term solution for cutting emissions but criticised the restrictive EU definition of SAF feedstocks under the Renewable Energy Directive. He called for a temporary revision to align the EU’s SAF criteria with the broader framework of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), advocating for the inclusion of vegetable oils and other feedstocks. This adjustment, Harrington argued, could significantly increase SAF production and reduce fossil fuel emissions by millions of tonnes.
Other industry leaders, such as Robert Ludera from LOT Polish Airlines, echoed Harrington’s concerns, noting that scaling SAF production requires greater collaboration among governments, industries, and research institutions. Ludera also stressed the importance of cost-effective regulations to ensure European aviation remains globally competitive. Rising operational costs and inefficiencies in air traffic management systems were cited as additional barriers to the sector’s sustainability and economic stability.
Özlem Salihoğlu of Turkish Airlines and AIRE emphasised the need to reform European airspace management. Enhanced infrastructure and optimised air traffic systems would not only reduce delays but also lower environmental impacts. Salihoğlu also addressed the financial strain on airlines from outdated passenger rights legislation, which places disproportionate burdens on carriers for disruptions beyond their control. She advocated for modernised laws that distribute responsibility across all travel stakeholders, including airports and air traffic control.
In closing, industry leaders underscored the importance of dialogue and collaboration with policymakers to create a balanced framework that supports environmental goals, passenger rights, and the economic sustainability of aviation. Europe’s aviation sector, a vital driver of connectivity and economic growth, must align its sustainability efforts with the practical realities of its operational challenges.
Europe’s aviation industry stands at a crossroads, balancing the need for rapid decarbonisation with the realities of regulatory and operational constraints. Collaborative efforts to redefine SAF standards, modernise passenger rights, and optimise infrastructure are essential to ensure the sector thrives while meeting environmental and economic goals.
Avation PLC (LON:AVAP) is a commercial passenger aircraft leasing company owning a fleet of aircraft which it leases to airlines across the world. Avation’s future focus are new technology low CO2 emission aircraft.
