What is sustainable aviation fuel, and why 2025 matters
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) 2025 is ready to redefine jet operations. SAF is a drop‑in jet fuel produced from waste feedstocks or captured CO₂ that can cut lifecycle emissions by up to 80 %. The SAF market is projected to jump from about USD 2.06 billion in 2025 to USD 25.6 billion by 2030—a 65 % CAGR. Those numbers alone make 2025 the tipping point.
Global sustainable aviation fuel 2025 mandates
In the European Union, the new ReFuelEU regulation mandates a minimum 2% SAF blend at every EU airport, requiring operators to record their uplift volumes and provide proof of origin. Turkey now requires airlines on international legs to use enough SAF to achieve a 5% emissions-reduction target, while local refiners must scale up production to match demand. Globally, ICAO has added SAF to the CORSIA carbon-offset scheme, and the 2025 registry has already logged more than 10million gallons of certified fuel.
SAF price vs. Jet‑A: budget reality
Recent U.S. spot data show SAF averaging 2.2–3× the price of Jet‑A before tax credits. Jet‑A itself is hovering around USD 92.51/bbl, or roughly USD 2.20 per gallon at today’s crack spread. IATA Translation: expect an extra USD 1.50–2.50 per gallon at the truck in 2025 unless you’re in California or the EU, where incentives narrow the gap.
Cost‑control quick wins
- Tank where credits flow. U.S. West Coast and select Nordic airports pass LCFS/ETS savings directly to operators.
- Book in bulk. Commit to a full‑winter allotment with your fuel card provider; volume discounts beat ad‑hoc uplift every time.
- Blend yourself. Some FBOs let Part 91 owners specify 30 % SAF for a lower premium than the default 50 % blend.
Where can you find SAF today?
Below is a short list of high‑volume uplift points (check NOTAMs for availability):
- Los Angeles (KLAX) – World Fuel Services
- Amsterdam (EHAM) – Neste MY SAF tank farm
- Paris‑Le Bourget (LFPB) – TotalEnergies “Jet A‑Next” lane
- Singapore Changi (WSSS) – Shell × Neste JV bowser
- Istanbul (LTFM) – Turkish Airports Corp. starting Q4 2025 (post‑mandate rollout)
Looking ahead: eVTOL & synthetic fuel synergy
eVTOL manufacturers plan to certify aircraft that run entirely on power‑to‑liquid (PtL) “E‑Jet” by 2030. Expect SAF demand to migrate from pure biofuels toward electro‑synthetic blends—good news for regions with abundant renewable power.