A mandate on the aviation sector to supplant 2% of its jet fuel demand with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has come into force from 1 January 2025.
The mandate was first introduced by the previous Conservative administration in 2022 and requires the sector to ramp up its usage of SAF until at least 10% of UK aviation fuel is derived from sustainable sources by 2030.
In July 2024, then transport minister Louise Haigh said the Labour government would stick to the previous government’s plan after introducing a bill to support SAF production in the King’s Speech.
Made from sustainable sources, including materials such as household waste or used cooking oil, SAF is considered a major tool in helping to lower climate change emissions from air travel – widely regarded as one of the most difficult sectors to decarbonise.
SAF can be used in existing aircraft, and it emits on average 70% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than using fossil jet fuel on a life-cycle basis.
Now by law, this type of fuel...