Bentley Adopts Sustainable Aviation Fuel for All Global Airfreight

Luxury automaker Bentley Motors has committed to using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for all global airfreight operations involving customer vehicles. The move is a significant step in the company's efforts to decarbonize its complex logistics network and reduce its overall carbon footprint.

This initiative is a core component of Bentley's ambitious 'Beyond100+' strategy, which targets end-to-end carbon neutrality for the company by 2030. While airfreight represents a smaller portion of Bentley's total logistics—used primarily for customer requests or time-sensitive requirements—its high carbon intensity makes it a critical area for emissions reduction. By transitioning this segment to SAF, Bentley addresses a key source of Scope 3 emissions, which encompass indirect emissions from an organization's value chain, including transportation and distribution.

According to an official Bentley Motors Press Release, the SAF being used is certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) program. This certification ensures the fuel is produced from renewable or waste-based sources. Depending on the specific feedstock and production process, SAF can reduce lifecycle Carbon Dioxide Equivalent (CO₂e) emissions by up to 95% compared to conventional jet fuel.

A Strategic Move in Logistics

The decision to adopt SAF aligns with a broader trend of corporate responsibility in decarbonizing supply chains. For luxury brands like Bentley, whose customers increasingly value sustainability, demonstrating tangible progress on environmental goals is crucial. Aimee Kelly, Head of Sustainability at Bentley Motors, highlighted the data-driven nature of the decision.

“Our transition to using certified Sustainable Aviation Fuel across all customer car airfreight movements reflects how we are taking measurable, evidence based steps to reduce emissions in the parts of our logistics network where flights remain necessary,” Kelly stated. “SAF can deliver significant, independently verified reductions in life cycle CO₂e emissions compared with conventional jet fuel and this makes it a meaningful lever within our wider decarbonisation strategy.”

The use of SAF as a 'drop-in' fuel is a key advantage. It is chemically similar to traditional jet fuel and can be used in existing aircraft engines and airport refueling infrastructure without requiring costly modifications. This makes it the most viable near-term solution for reducing the aviation industry's emissions.

The Broader Aviation Context

Bentley's commitment comes as the global aviation industry grapples with its own decarbonization targets. The International Air Transport Association (IATA), a trade group for the world's airlines, estimates that SAF could provide approximately 65% of the total emissions reduction needed for the aviation sector to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

However, the primary challenge remains supply and cost. According to IATA, global SAF production was projected to double in 2025 to 2 million tonnes, but this would still account for just 0.7% of the industry's total fuel requirements. The limited availability keeps prices significantly higher than conventional jet fuel. Commitments from major corporations outside the aviation sector, like Bentley, are vital as they signal strong, stable demand to fuel producers, which can help stimulate investment in new production facilities.

Regulatory mandates are also beginning to shape the market. The European Union's ReFuelEU Aviation legislation, for example, establishes a binding minimum blend of SAF for fuel suppliers at EU airports. The mandate starts at 2% in 2025 and progressively increases to 70% by 2050. While Bentley's action is voluntary and exceeds current mandates, it aligns with the long-term regulatory direction of the industry.

Why This Matters

This development signals a growing trend where non-aviation corporations take direct action to mitigate the environmental impact of their own supply chains. Bentley's move to cover 100% of its airfreight with SAF sets a new benchmark in the luxury automotive sector for addressing Scope 3 emissions. For the aviation industry, it provides a crucial demand signal that can help justify investments needed to scale up SAF production and ultimately lower costs, accelerating the entire sector's transition to cleaner fuels.

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