GlobeAir's approach to Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Paving the way for a sustainable future

The need to find sustainable solutions to reduce carbon footprint

Imagine a world where air travel is not just a convenient way to get from one destination to another but also an environmentally conscious way full of hope for a sustainable future. GlobeAir's vision is to help create a cleaner, healthier environment by utilising innovative technologies that respect the Earth and its resources.

As the demand for air travel continues to increase, it is essential to find sustainable ways to reduce our carbon footprint. In recent years, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the aviation industry.

SAF is a liquid fuel derived from renewable and sustainable sources, and it can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel.

The proposal to implement a blending mandate on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) was put forth by the European Commission on July 14th, 2021. This represents a major stride in reducing the reliance on fossil jet fuel in the aviation industry. The move indicates that the EU is committed to being at the forefront of climate action in the aviation sector.

SAF could be a game-changer for the aviation industry, and it is becoming increasingly popular as more Business Aviation operators have been driving the conversation throughout the Aviation industry.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF could contribute to 65% of the reduction in emissions needed to reach net zero by 2050.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

The importance of using SAF in private aviation

SAF is a type of biofuel that is designed to replace traditional jet fuel.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid fuel derived from renewable and sustainable sources. SAF is chemically similar to traditional jet fuel, but it is made from feedstocks such as cooking oils, agricultural residues, and non-fossil carbon dioxide, which reduces its carbon footprint.

SAF is a liquid fuel that can be used with existing aircraft engines and airport infrastructure, requiring no additional investment. SAF is free of sulfur, oxygen, and aromatics, and its high energy content burns cleaner in aircraft engines..

What is the current situation with SAF?

The opportunites and challenges in todays economic climate

The adoption of SAF in the aviation industry has been increasing in recent years. In 2016, only 500 flights used SAF. By 2022, 450,000 flights have already used SAF, and it is projected that by 2025, there will be 2 million flights using SAF.

In 2016, 8 million litres of SAF were produced, and by 2022, 125+ million litres will be produced and used. By 2025, it is projected that 5 billion litres of SAF will be used per year.

Despite the progress that has been made, the availability of SAF is currently limited, and it is only available at limited airports globally. Private jet operators are facing the challenge of being unable to utilise SAF at every location.

SAF is available in some airports, including Amsterdam and Zurich, with Jet Aviation. Commercial aircraft are permitted to operate passenger flights on a 50/50 blend of SAF and standard jet fuel.

To address this issue, the aviation industry is moving toward an off-site "book and claim" accounting system like that used in the renewable electricity sector. This system allows for greater flexibility given the relative scarcity of SAF, which uses feedstocks like cooking oils to reduce emissions.

The "book and claim" approach enables broader access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) without physical transportation. The volume is verified and tracked upon booking or placing an order for SAF. A certificate of credit is issued to account for the carbon reduction and the associated environmental benefits. This system ensures that no unnecessary transportation costs are incurred and that environmental benefits are accounted for.

While the aviation industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint, climate activists have been lobbying against airline operators instead of lobbying the government for more incentives and support for sustainable aviation initiatives. The aviation industry needs collaboration from all sectors and incentive-based support from governments to reach net zero.

The outlook for the SAF sector

Collaborative efforts to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has adopted its net-zero 2050 target in 2021 and published its SAF strategy, which aims for a 6% blend by 2030 and a 65% blend by 2050. This is an encouraging step towards a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.

Within the World Economic Forum, many airlines, airports, producers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and corporate buyers have teamed up in the "Clean skies for tomorrow" initiative. The initiative focuses on accelerating SAF development in order to reach a 10% blend by 2030.

The outlook for the SAF sector is positive, with increasing investment and research being done to create new and sustainable sources of SAF.

Formula 1 racing plans to be powered by 100% sustainable ‘drop-in fuel’ by 2025, made from sustainable fuel resources, with a goal of achieving net-zero carbon by 2030.

While SAF is an important part of the aviation industry's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, there is a big focus on hydrogen as the future fuel. Hydrogen fuel cells are an attractive option for aviation because they offer a zero-emissions solution.

By adopting sustainable practices and solutions like SAF, we can help pave the way towards a cleaner and greener aviation industry. The aviation industry is taking steps to reduce its carbon footprint, and we must continue working together to create a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations.