Airlines Question EU's Timetable for Synthetic Aviation Fuel Adoption Amid Rising Jet Fuel Costs

Europe’s biggest airline group, Airlines for Europe, is set to challenge the EU’s synthetic aviation fuel (SAF) rules, arguing that the timetable for adoption no longer matches market reality. The group is concerned that the current mandate risks outpacing supply by a wide margin, with expected eSAF production covering only about 0.7% of demand by 2030. Reuters, citing airline executives, reports that the group is discussing whether to seek removal of the mandate altogether. The EU’s SAF rule requires 2% SAF use at EU airports in 2025 and is due to rise to 6% in 2030. Airlines for Europe’s position is expected to be formalized later this week.