Sustainability and Environment
SAF: Fourth Leg of the Stool Slowly Progressing
Production of SAF is growing, but still has a long journey ahead
Flasks of SAF
As supplies of sustainable aviation fuel increase globally, there are still hurdles to overcome along the path. © Curt Epstein/AIN

With aviation groups setting goals of net-zero carbon emissions, the strategy behind that is often referred to as the four-legged stool, with each leg representing one of the required strategies necessary to achieve those ambitions. Among them are airframe and engine efficiency improvements, air traffic control upgrades, and market-based measures such as carbon offset purchases. But, it is the fourth leg, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), that is both the best near-term solution as well as the one that could make the largest contribution in terms of carbon reduction.

With jet fuel having a 75-year head start, many have been frustrated at the seemingly slow pace of growth in SAF availability and its use, with global production still representing less than one percent of the total jet fuel usage.