Sustainability and Environment
EASA To Take the Lead on Decarbonizing European Aviation
By 2050, 70 percent of fuel uploaded at European airports must be SAF and tankering will be discouraged
Sustainable aviation fuel for business aircraft at European airport
EASA is to require more sustainable aviation fuel to be made available at European Union airports. (Image: AIN/David McIntosh)

EASA will have overall responsibility for monitoring the aviation industry’s progress in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 in the wake of the European Parliament's approval this week of the ReFuelEU Aviation regulations. Among the measures that will be enforced are steps to deter operators from tankering fuel to avoid making jet-A1 purchases at some airports, which results in heavier aircraft and increased pollution from fuel burn.

EASA will now promote and measure the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and monitor the resulting reduction in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. ReFuelEU Aviation sets targets for minimum percentages of SAF to be used as a blend with jet fuel in flights from 2025. The first report on what is hoped to be increased SAF availability and use will be published in the fourth quarter of that year.