The UK aviation industry is facing a setback in its efforts to decarbonise, as provisional data suggests it will likely miss its 2025 target for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The Department for Transport reports that SAF usage currently accounts for approximately 1.6% of fuel in UK flights, short of the 2% goal. This gap underscores the challenges faced by the industry, including limited SAF supply, higher production costs, and supply chain constraints.
Despite the shortfall, the government maintains that the final figures could change as more data becomes available, and efforts to increase SAF utilisation continue. The long-term vision involves reaching 10% SAF use by 2030 and 22% by 2040, necessitating significant investments in production capacity, infrastructure, and development of advanced SAF technologies from sustainable feedstocks.
Industry experts warn that achieving these goals presents hurdles, particularly in scaling up second-generation SAF derived from agricultural waste or algae, which are not yet produced at commercial scale. Smaller airports like Gatwick and Luton also face challenges in securing adequate SAF supplies, which could limit broader adoption outside of key hubs like Heathrow.
On the international stage, the UK remains relatively progressive, with a higher SAF share than many countries, according to IATA. The UK government continues to support industry growth through legislation and incentives aimed at stabilising SAF prices and attracting investments. The path toward a greener aviation sector, while underway, demands intensified efforts, collaborative action, and sustained investment to meet future climate commitments.
