Flying towards a greener future: Can policy push SAF into the mainstream?

Aviation has long been one of the most stubborn sectors when it comes to climate change.
Despite its relatively small share of global CO₂ emissions—about 2.5%—its overall climate impact is far greater due to non-CO₂ effects like contrails and nitrogen oxides. And yet, unlike road transport or electricity, sustainable alternatives for jet fuel remain rare, expensive, and difficult to scale.
One of the most promising solutions is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) — a catch-all term for fuels derived from renewable feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural waste, and even synthetic e-fuels powered by renewable electricity.
SAFs can slash lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet kerosene. But despite a flurry of climate pledges, SAF accounts for just 0.1% of global aviation fuel use.
Why? According to a new report by the German Environment Agency (UBA), the problem isn’t technological. It’s political, logistical, and administrative.
A patchwork of policies — and gaps
Internationally, the aviation sector is regulated under CORSIA, a carbon offsetting scheme developed by the International Civil...