The EU wants a SAF transition, but at what cost?

On 14 July, as part of the European Green Deal, the EU announced a broad new package of policy proposals which aim to accelerate decarbonisation of the aviation sector.
If fully implemented, the measures will have a significant impact on the EU’s aviation industry.
However, while the initiatives will undoubtedly increase costs for industry participants and passengers, will they achieve their objectives?
The new ReFuelEU Aviation Initiative mandates blending of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with fossil fuels at 5% by 2030, 32% by 2040, and 63% by 2050.
The initiative applies to all fuel suppliers providing fuel at EU airports and all airlines, whether EU or foreign, must annually uplift from each EU airport 90% of the fuel required for flights from those airports, to try to minimise unnecessary tankering.
Currently approved processes specify a maximum blending ratio of 50%, but Rolls-Royce has announced plans to make all its civil engines compatible to run on 100% SAF, with tests underway.
The revisions to the Emissions Trading System (ETS) will see fewer free allowances for aviation, further reduction over time and increased...