Airlines' reliance on a functioning SAF market is fundamental to achieving net-zero, and decarbonising without the right conditions in place is like flying without a flight plan. The Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) communication sends a clear message: more must be done to accelerate access to affordable SAF. It provides some, but not all, elements of the plan the market needs, but words on paper must be urgently backed up by firm political action to deliver on promises.
“Mandates alone do not create a functioning SAF market, and it is high time we collectively admit that and take action to accelerate affordable SAF,” stated Ourania Georgoutsakou, Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E). “The STIP represents a broader recognition of these challenges. We must now turn words on paper into tangible action from national governments and the Commission, as Europe's nascent SAF market has so far failed to take off as expected.''
The Plan includes a number of sound policy elements to step up market stimulus, such as tackling the price gap between conventional aviation fuel and SAF, extending SAF allowances and introducing double-sided auctions. Simplifying administrative burdens, clarifying fuel supplier obligations, and referencing Book and Claim were also smart, strategic moves.
But the heavy tilt toward e-SAF, while sidelining advanced biofuels and bio-SAF, misses the mark at a critical phase of SAF market development. Ultimately, reducing the costs of SAF and ETS is essential to ensuring air travel remains accessible to all while reinforcing the competitiveness of European airlines and Europe as a destination and hub.
