The future of flight: An introduction to Sustainable Aviation Fuel

This article was contributed by Tamarack Consulting.

As the corporate world intensifies its focus on net-zero targets, the spotlight has shifted to one of the hardest-to-abate sectors: aviation. For many organisations, business travel represents a significant portion of their environmental footprint. While high-speed rail and virtual meetings are part of the solution, global commerce, and interpersonal relationships, often necessitates flight. This is where Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can step in as a critical lever for decarbonisation.

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

SAF is a ‘drop-in’ alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Unlike traditional kerosene derived from crude oil, SAF is produced from renewable biological and non-biological resources.

The term ‘drop-in’ is vital; it means SAF is chemically similar to traditional jet fuel and can be blended (currently up to 50%) and used in existing aircraft engines and airport infrastructure without any modifications. This allows for immediate adoption without waiting for a total overhaul of the global aircraft fleet or airport refuelling infrastructure.

How is SAF Made?

The production of SAF involves several ‘pathways’ that convert different feedstocks into high-energy liquid fuel:

• Bio-based Feedstocks: The most common method today involves HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids), which uses waste oils such as used cooking oil, animal fats, and vegetable oils.
• Agricultural and Municipal Waste: SAF can be synthesized from “cellulosic” waste, including forest residues, crop leftovers (like corn husks), and even household trash that would otherwise end up in landfills.
• Power-to-Liquid (e-fuels): An emerging frontier where carbon dioxide is captured from the air and combined with green hydrogen (produced via renewable electricity) to create synthetic fuel.

While traditional jet fuel releases ‘new’ carbon into the atmosphere that was previously trapped underground as oil, SAF operates on a beneficial lifecycle carbon model. On a lifecycle basis, neat (unblended) SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels.

Impact on Corporate Scope 3 Emissions

For most companies, the emissions from employee business flights are categorised as Scope 3, Category 6 (Business Travel). Unlike Scope 1 (direct emissions) or Scope 2 (purchased energy), Scope 3 emissions occur in the value chain and are often the most difficult to measure and reduce.

Using airlines that prioritise SAF has a direct, quantifiable impact on these figures:

1. Direct Reduction vs. Offsetting

Unlike carbon offsetting, which compensates for emissions by planting trees or funding renewable projects elsewhere, SAF represents in-sector decarbonisation. When a company uses airlines that are incorporating SAF into its flights, it is reducing the actual carbon intensity of the flight itself. This is increasingly preferred by reporting frameworks like the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

2. The ’Book and Claim’ System

Because SAF isn’t available at every airport yet, the industry uses a Book and Claim model. A company can ‘book’ a specific amount of SAF by paying the identified price premium, even if the physical fuel is pumped into a plane at a different location. The company ‘claims’ the environmental benefit (the emission reduction) for its Scope 3 reporting, while the physical SAF displaces fossil fuel elsewhere in the system.

3. Enhancing ESG Ratings

Investors and stakeholders now scrutinise Scope 3 data to assess a company’s long-term climate risk. By opting for SAF-integrated travel programs, companies demonstrate a proactive approach to supply chain sustainability, often resulting in higher ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) scores.

Looking Ahead

As of 2026 many countries have introduced SAF targets and mandates and as a result, SAF production is scaling up rapidly, though it still accounts for a small fraction of total global jet fuel. For the corporate traveller, the message is clear: the choice of airline and the support of SAF programs are no longer just ‘green’ options, they are essential components of a robust corporate climate strategy.

We would encourage businesses in their corporate travel procurement processes to consider SAF use by airlines and to include this as part of your organisation’s Sustainable Travel policy. 

Want to learn more? Get in touch with Jodi at Tamarack Consulting here.