American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) has released a manifesto addressing the urgent need for government support in scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This call to action coincides with a high-level roundtable discussion on SAF scaling, signalling a critical moment for the aviation industry.
The manifesto urges the government to recognise ‘book and claim’ programmes for SAF, allowing long-term corporate investment, emphasising the need for clear accounting and reporting standards to unlock significant investment in SAF’s environmental attributes.
The Importance of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The manifesto highlights the critical role of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in reaching the aviation sector’s net-zero targets. SAF is seen as pivotal due to its potential to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of air travel, a sector described as ‘hard to electrify’. This underscores the need for immediate action to foster the use and production of SAF, addressing both environmental and industry demands.
Government’s Role in SAF Development
By recognising ‘book and claim’ programmes, the government can stimulate long-term investment in SAF, according to the manifesto. These programmes would allow corporations to invest in SAF and make sustainability claims, without the need for direct usage verification or supply chain demonstration. A clear and consistent system will encourage more businesses to contribute financially to SAF development.
The manifesto further calls for policy interventions targeted at various participants in the SAF value chain. Such interventions are deemed necessary to provide the right stimulus for effective private sector involvement, ensuring the aviation sector’s sustainable growth.
Corporate Engagement and Investment
Private sector investment is crucial for the aviation industry’s transition towards more sustainable practices. By procuring SAF through innovative programmes, businesses can support the emerging market while also fulfilling corporate social responsibility goals.
Amex GBT president Andrew Crawley emphasised this point, stating that corporate involvement is essential. The discussion at the roundtable, attended by key stakeholders, reinforced the notion that ongoing dialogue and partnership between the government and the industry are vital.
Challenges and Targets Ahead
Reaching the 2050 net-zero target is ambitious, requiring 25% to 30% of annual renewable fuel production capacity to be allocated to SAF by 2030. While current projections suggest SAF production will triple in 2024, it will still only constitute 6% of all renewable fuels produced. This gap highlights the urgency of scaling up efforts across the sector.
Continuous government-industry engagement is crucial to overcoming barriers and ensuring these targets are met. Effective collaboration will facilitate the necessary advancements in SAF production and deployment.
International Perspectives on SAF
Duncan Edwards, CEO of BritishAmerican Business, stressed the importance of international cooperation, particularly between the UK and the US, in implementing policies that promote SAF investment and adoption.
He noted the significant contribution the aviation sector makes to global emissions. Thus, it is imperative for governments worldwide to act decisively in promoting the development and widespread use of SAF. Adequate policy frameworks and investment incentives are crucial to achieving this.
The Path Forward for SAF
As highlighted by Aviation Minister Anthony Browne, the government’s commitment to SAF development is evident through substantial funding and the SAF mandate. The UK is positioned as a leader in this field, yet private sector collaboration is essential for success.
A comprehensive approach, involving varied stakeholders, will bolster the UK’s SAF industry, leading toward sustainable aviation and environmental stewardship.
Summary of Key Points
The manifesto by Amex GBT is a pivotal document urging government action to scale SAF. It underlines the need for consistent policy, corporate investment, and international cooperation to meet aviation’s ambitious net-zero targets.
The call for scaling sustainable aviation fuel is timely and essential, considering aviation’s role in global emissions. The partnership between government and the private sector, strengthened by consistent policy and investment, is key to realizing the sector’s sustainability goals.
