The Challenges of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Adoption in Global Business Aviation

The global business aviation sector, long scrutinized for its carbon footprint, has embraced Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a cornerstone of its decarbonisation strategy. SAF—a biofuel derived from renewable feedstocks like waste oils, agricultural residues, and synthetic processes—can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. While SAF promises a greener future, its integration into business aviation faces multifaceted challenges, from production bottlenecks to regulatory fragmentation.

Production Scalability and Feedstock Limitations: SAF accounts for less than 0.1% of global aviation fuel consumption, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Scaling production to meet demand is a formidable hurdle. Current SAF output relies on limited feedstocks, such as used cooking oil and animal fats, which are already constrained by competing demands from industries like road transportation and shipping. The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that meeting aviation’s 2050 net-zero targets would require SAF to supply 65% of fuel needs—a 10,000-fold increase from 2022 levels. Without investment in alternative feedstocks, such as algae or power-to-liquid (PtL) technologies, supply shortages will persist.

Cost Premiums and Economic Viability: SAF remains 3–5 times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, a premium that strains operators in the cost-sensitive business aviation sector. While corporate clients increasingly prioritize sustainability, few are willing to absorb the full cost of SAF voluntarily. The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) notes that SAF adoption relies heavily on government incentives, such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act’s tax credits or the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandates. However, inconsistent policy support across regions creates market uncertainty. For instance, ReFuelEU requires airlines to blend 2% SAF by 2025, but business aviation’s smaller fuel purchases complicate compliance.

Infrastructure and Distribution Gaps: SAF’s distribution network is nascent, particularly outside major hubs. Unlike commercial airlines, which refuel at centralized airports, business jets operate across 5,000+ global airports, many lacking SAF storage. Neste, a leading SAF producer, supplies just 10 airports worldwide. This fragmentation forces operators to truck in SAF, raising costs and emissions. Meanwhile, “book-and-claim” systems—which allow operators to purchase SAF credits without physical delivery—face scepticism over transparency.

Regulatory and Certification Complexities: SAF must meet stringent international standards (ASTM D7566) to ensure compatibility with existing engines. While all SAF blends up to 50% are certified, higher ratios require costly re-engineering. Regulatory misalignment further complicates adoption: the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) and CORSIA, the UN’s global offsetting scheme, treat SAF differently, creating compliance headaches. Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, former French Transport Minister, warns that without harmonized policies, SAF growth will remain “uneven and inefficient.”

Perception and Pilot Demand: Despite corporate net-zero pledges, SAF uptake hinges on educating stakeholders. A 2023 survey by Aviation Week found that 40% of business aviation users were unaware of SAF’s benefits. Meanwhile, “greenwashing” risks loom: operators face pressure to prove SAF’s provenance, as critics question the ethics of feedstocks like palm oil.

Conclusion: Collaboration as the Flightpath Forward: SAF’s potential is undeniable, but overcoming these challenges demands collaboration. Producers like World Energy are expanding output, while groups like the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition advocate for policy parity. Innovations, such as Universal Hydrogen’s modular fuel capsules, could ease distribution. For business aviation, SAF is not just a fuel but a test of the industry’s commitment to a sustainable future—one that requires navigating turbulence with agility and resolve.