EU policy action on SAF deployment is urgently needed, according to the aviation and petroleum industry.

Leading representatives from Europe’s aviation and fuel sectors have issued a pressing call for stronger and faster policy action to accelerate the deployment of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the EU. They warn that the current SAF market is still in its infancy, with HEFA-based fuels being the only commercially available option—yet priced significantly higher than conventional kerosene. Meanwhile, next-generation fuels like e-SAF and advanced biofuels face investment hurdles, particularly in reaching final investment decisions (FIDs).

To address these challenges and scale SAF production, the coalition—which includes major airline, airport, cargo, and fuel associations—has proposed a 10-point action plan. This initiative was submitted to EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, during a recent Implementation Dialogue focused on boosting renewable and low-carbon transport fuel production.

“Accelerating SAF availability and affordability is critical to achieving net-zero CO₂ emissions in aviation by 2050,” the partners emphasized.

While the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation is recognized for laying out a strong foundational framework, the industry argues it must be paired with financial and regulatory incentives to ensure long-term investment confidence and market competitiveness.

Stefan Schulte, President of ACI Europe, stated:“ReFuelEU provides the legal certainty through mandates—the ‘stick’—but lacks the ‘carrot’: financial incentives and flexibility that can drive scaled production at competitive prices. Our 10-point plan addresses this imbalance.”

Key Recommendations from the Industry’s 10-Point SAF Action Plan:

1. Extend fuel eligibility volumes and duration under the EU ETS to provide longer-term certainty.

2. Launch targeted funding calls through the Innovation Fund, Industrial Decarbonisation Bank, and European Innovation Council for SAF and related infrastructure starting 2025.

3. Tailor European Investment Bank Group instruments to better reflect the financing needs and risk profiles of e-SAF and advanced bio-SAF projects.

4. Accelerate SAF project development and commercialization.

5. Introduce a revenue certainty mechanism to address mismatches between long-term production and short-term demand.

6. Explore an EU-wide virtual ticketing system allowing obligated parties to claim SAF environmental attributes.

7. Create a level playing field and strengthen Europe’s SAF production competitiveness.

8. Propose administrative simplification measures for early movers and SMEs, while maintaining climate ambition.

9. Boost feedstock availability for SAF production in Europe.

10. Speed up testing and certification of emerging SAF technologies such as methanol-to-jet and ethanol-to-jet.

The group urged EU and national policymakers to work hand-in-hand with the industry to ensure a timely, scalable SAF roll-out—one that supports innovation, investment, and long-term aviation sustainability.

“SAF must become part of a broader EU aviation strategy that includes aircraft and engine innovation, ATM efficiency, and carbon removals,” the statement concludes.

Signatories include: FuelsEurope, Hydrogen Europe, Project SkyPower, European Express Association, European Cargo Alliance, and Destination 2050 partners—Airlines for Europe, ACI Europe, ASD, CANSO Europe, and the European Regions Airline Association (ERA).

Montserrat Barriga, ERA’s Director General, added:“SAF is vital to our path to net zero, yet access remains unequal across regions—risking distortion and reputational unfairness. Urgent policy action is needed to eliminate cost barriers, ensure transparency, and monitor distribution effectively to build an inclusive, efficient SAF market.”