The global aviation industry’s decarbonization strategy is at risk, airline leaders warned on Wednesday, directly blaming European governments for policies that have stalled production and sent costs soaring.
“Europe’s fragmented policies distort markets, slow investment, and undermine efforts to scale sustainable aviation fuel production,” said Willie Walsh, director general of the International Air Transport Association. “Europe’s regulators must recognize that its approach is not working and urgently correct course.”
He warned that sustainable aviation fuel production is now expected to reach just 1.9 million tonnes — a sharp drop from earlier forecasts and only 0.7% of total jet fuel use.
The policies Walsh speaks of are government mandates for SAF use, which the aviation industry claims can emit up to 60 to 70% less CO₂ than conventional jet fuel.
The EU requires airlines to use 2% SAF in 2025 with the mandate rising to 7