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Airlines · Biofuels · Energy Crisis · Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Airlines are struggling with high oil prices due to the war in Iran, revealing a significant shortfall in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, which stands at just over two million tons against a 2026 target of five million tons.
For years, airlines have promoted SAF as the future for lower-carbon flying, but the industry's adoption remains minimal, with SAF constituting only 0.6% of fuel used for flights last year, according to the International Air Transport Association. The United Nations’ International Civil Aviation Organization had projected five million tons of SAF production by 2026, but current output is less than half that, while total jet fuel consumption approaches 300 million tons.
This significant gap highlights the industry's vulnerability to geopolitical energy shocks and the slow progress in decarbonizing air travel, despite stated commitments.
