From Frying Pan To Flight Path: The Rise Of Sustainable Aviation Fuel

PICTURE COURTESY: BRITISH AIRWAYS

The dream of a cleaner, more sustainable aviation sector is fast becoming a reality with the growing adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)—particularly those derived from used cooking oil (UCO). SAF represents a crucial innovation in the global effort to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact.

SAF is a biofuel that can be blended with conventional jet fuel, offering a significantly lower carbon footprint without requiring any major modifications to aircraft engines or airport infrastructure. Depending on the feedstock and production method, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to traditional fossil-based jet fuel.

Recognizing aviation’s contribution to global emissions—2.5% of the world’s energy-related CO₂ emissions in 2023—the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and national governments are pushing for broader SAF adoption. The European Union and the UK, for instance, have begun requiring that jet fuel contains at least 2% SAF starting in 2025, with that number set to rise gradually over the next 15 years.

One of the most promising feedstocks for SAF is waste oil, especially UCO. When compared to biofuels made from agricultural commodities like soy or palm oil, UCO-based SAF avoids competition with food crops and helps prevent deforestation, making it a truly circular and responsible solution.

Countries like Malaysia, one of the world’s largest producers of UCO and virgin palm oil, are playing a key role in this green transition. A recent initiative there rewards volunteers with up to $21 per litre for turning in used cooking oil. Companies like Evergreen Oil & Feed, which operates UCO collection centers, are supplying this crucial feedstock to European SAF producers such as Spain’s Repsol, UK-based Shell, and Finland’s Neste.

Major airline groups like the International Airlines Group (IAG)—parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL—are already purchasing SAF with green certification from jet fuel suppliers, signaling a strong commitment to low-carbon aviation.

Despite its potential, SAF still faces hurdles: primarily in terms of production scale and cost. However, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF is expected to contribute to 65% of emissions reductions needed for the aviation sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The journey toward greener air travel has taken off—and with collective action from governments, industries, and individuals, SAF could be the fuel that powers a cleaner future for aviation.

The writer of this article is Dr. Seema Javed, an environmentalist & a communications professional in the field of climate and energy