Sustainable Aviation Fuel Support
Sustainable Aviation Fuel Support - SAF Coordination
What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is an umbrella term for aviation fuels produced from sustainable, non-fossil feedstocks. Unlike conventional Jet A-1, which is refined from crude oil, SAF is produced using a range of biological and waste-based materials through several approved production pathways.
Common SAF feedstocks
- Used cooking oils (UCO) — one of the most established SAF feedstocks
- Agricultural residues — corn stover, wheat straw, sugarcane bagasse
- Municipal solid waste (MSW) — non-recyclable organic waste streams
- Forestry residues — wood chips, sawmill waste
- Dedicated energy crops grown on non-food land
- Alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) — using ethanol or isobutanol as a SAF pathway
Carbon reduction potential
On a lifecycle basis (comparing emissions from feedstock production through to combustion), certified SAF can reduce CO₂ equivalent emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional Jet A-1. The actual reduction varies by feedstock and production pathway. Used cooking oil pathways typically achieve 65–80% reduction; some advanced pathways can achieve higher.
SAF as a Drop-In Fuel
SAF is certified as a drop-in fuel under ASTM D7566 — the international standard for synthesised aviation fuels. This means it meets the same performance and safety requirements as conventional Jet A-1 and can be used in existing aircraft engines and fuel systems without modification. SAF is typically blended with conventional Jet A-1 at ratios currently approved up to 50% SAF in the final blend.
SAF Regulatory Context — ReFuelEU
The EU's ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, which came into force in 2025, mandates increasing proportions of SAF in the fuel loaded at EU airports: 2% by 2025, rising to 6% by 2030, 20% by 2035, and 70% by 2050. Airlines operating into EU airports are already planning their SAF procurement and compliance strategy. ASM can help operators understand how SAF coordination fits into their compliance planning.
SAF in the Middle East & UAE
SAF availability in the Middle East is growing but remains more limited than in Europe and North America. The UAE and regional governments have active sustainability programmes, and several airlines operating from UAE airports face SAF compliance obligations through their EU operations. ASM monitors SAF supply developments across its fuel network and can advise operators on current availability on their specific routes.
Book-and-Claim SAF
Book-and-claim is a mechanism that allows operators to fund SAF production at one location and claim the associated environmental benefit (the 'carbon certificate') — even if the SAF is not physically uplifted on their route. This approach extends access to SAF environmental benefits to operators flying in markets where physical SAF supply is not yet available. ASM can advise on book-and-claim options where physical uplift is not feasible.
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FAQs - Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Q: What is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)?
A: SAF is aviation fuel produced from sustainable, non-fossil feedstocks — including used cooking oils, agricultural waste, forestry residues, and municipal waste. On a lifecycle basis, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional Jet A-1. SAF is certified as a drop-in fuel under ASTM D7566 and can be used in existing aircraft without modification.
Q: Can SAF be used in existing aircraft?
A: Yes. Certified SAF is a drop-in fuel that meets the same specification as conventional Jet A-1 (ASTM D7566). No aircraft modifications are required. Current approvals allow SAF blends of up to 50% SAF with conventional Jet A-1; higher blend ratios are in development and regulatory review.
Q: What is the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation?
A: ReFuelEU Aviation is an EU regulation that mandates increasing proportions of SAF in the fuel supply at EU airports — starting at 2% in 2025, rising to 6% in 2030, and 70% by 2050. It applies to all fuel suppliers at EU airports and therefore affects all airlines operating EU routes.
Q: Is SAF available at UAE airports?
A: SAF availability in the UAE is developing. ASM can advise on current availability and help operators identify where SAF uplifts may be feasible on their specific routes.
Q: Does SAF cost more than Jet A-1?
A: Yes, currently. SAF carries a price premium over conventional Jet A-1, reflecting the higher cost of sustainable feedstock production and processing. The premium varies by feedstock, production pathway, supplier, and market. ASM provides transparent SAF pricing for available options.
Q: What is a book-and-claim SAF mechanism?
A: Book-and-claim allows operators to fund SAF production at one location and claim the associated carbon reduction certificate — even if the SAF is not physically loaded on their specific flight. This enables access to SAF environmental benefits in markets where physical SAF supply is not yet available.
Q: How much does SAF reduce carbon emissions?
A: Lifecycle carbon emissions from SAF are typically 65–80% lower than conventional Jet A-1, depending on feedstock and production pathway. Some advanced pathways achieve higher reductions. These figures are based on lifecycle assessment (LCA) accounting from feedstock production through to fuel combustion.
Q: What does 'drop-in fuel' mean?
A: Drop-in fuel means a fuel that meets the same certification specification as the conventional fuel it replaces, enabling it to be used in existing engines and infrastructure without modification. SAF is certified as a drop-in fuel under ASTM D7566.
Q: Can ASM coordinate SAF for private aviation and business jets?
A: Yes. ASM can support SAF enquiries and coordination for all operation types where SAF supply is available — including business jets and private aviation in addition to commercial airlines and cargo operators.
Contact ASM — Available 24/7
Email: sales@asm.aero | Call: +971 4 409 7755 | WeChat: ASMDXB
