Corporate SAF purchases are surging, but what challenges are holding back growth?

Corporate purchasing of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is on a sharp incline as companies intensify efforts to reduce their business travel emissions. A new report from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Foundation reveals a 30% year-on-year increase in 2025, with 20% of all corporate travel programs now purchasing SAF to offset their environmental impact.

The study, titled "Corporate Behavior on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchases," indicates that another 11% of companies plan to begin purchasing SAF within the next year. This demand is primarily driven by large organizations with over 10,000 employees or more than $50 million in annual travel spending, who are responding to internal Net Zero commitments and external sustainability reporting requirements.

Significant Hurdles to Widespread Adoption

Despite the positive momentum, several major barriers are preventing broader adoption of SAF across the business travel sector. The most significant challenge remains the high cost premium. According to industry analysis, SAF currently costs between two to five times more than conventional jet fuel, making it a difficult expense for many companies to justify.

Another key obstacle is the lack of standardized accounting practices. Corporations struggle with how to accurately claim the emissions reductions from their SAF purchases, particularly when using SAF certificates (SAFc). These certificates allow a company to fund the use of SAF in the aviation system without taking physical delivery of the fuel, but clear guidelines for reporting these indirect reductions are still developing.

Supply and Infrastructure Constraints

The aviation industry also faces a critical supply shortage. Current global production of SAF accounts for less than 1% of the total jet fuel consumed worldwide. While the U.S. has set an ambitious goal to produce 3 billion gallons of SAF by 2030 under its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Grand Challenge, scaling up production is a complex process limited by feedstock availability and refinery capacity.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel, often produced through pathways like Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA), is a vital tool for decarbonization. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) notes that SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional kerosene. However, overcoming the economic, logistical, and accounting hurdles will be essential to unlocking its full potential and helping the aviation industry achieve its long-term climate goals.

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