Are Fuel Suppliers Blocking European Airlines From Meeting SAF Mandates?

The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has issued a significant warning, stating that its member airlines are at risk of failing to comply with new European Union regulations for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The core of the issue lies with fuel suppliers who have reportedly failed to provide the necessary documentation for SAF usage, creating a critical bottleneck in the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts.

According to the ERA, which represents over 50 European airlines, suppliers missed a key February 14, 2026, deadline to deliver the required data for SAF supplied in 2025. This documentation, often called a Proof of Sustainability, is essential for airlines to verify their use of SAF and claim associated benefits. Without it, carriers cannot prove compliance with the mandate or access financial incentives under the EU's Emissions Trading System (ETS).

The ReFuelEU Mandate and Its Challenges

The problem stems from the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation (EU) 2023/2405, a key part of the EU's ambitious 'Fit for 55' climate package. This regulation mandates a progressively increasing blend of SAF with conventional jet fuel at EU airports. The mandate starts with a 2% minimum blend in 2025, which is set to increase sharply to 6% in 2030 and 70% by 2050.

While the mandate aims to create a stable demand signal to boost SAF production, its success depends on a functional and transparent supply chain. The current failure to provide documentation places the burden of non-compliance squarely on the airlines, even though the issue originates with their suppliers. This creates significant financial and operational risks for carriers, particularly regional airlines operating on thin margins.

Financial and Operational Impacts

The financial implications are substantial. Sustainable Aviation Fuel can cost up to 10 times more than conventional jet fuel, according to industry analysis. The incentives available through the EU ETS are designed to help bridge this price gap and make the transition economically viable for airlines.

By being unable to claim these allowances, airlines face the dual penalty of paying a premium for SAF while also being unable to offset the cost. This situation threatens the level playing field the regulation was designed to create and could hinder the overall adoption of cleaner fuels. As of 2024, SAF production accounted for just 0.53% of global jet fuel use, highlighting the fragility of the current supply chain and the importance of every component functioning correctly.

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