How TUI Group's SAF Use Skyrocketed to 11,262 Tonnes

Tourism operator TUI Group has significantly scaled up its commitment to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The company announced a major increase in its TUI Group SAF usage across its airline network. It utilized some 11,262 tonnes of SAF last year. This marks a substantial jump from the 1,700 tonnes used in the previous year, 2024.

Decarbonisation and Key Targets

This significant increase underscores SAF's role in the group's broader commercial aviation emissions reduction strategy. TUI Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire operation by 2050. Its airline division is a major focus area. TUI Airline operations account for approximately 80% of the entire group’s emissions.

TUI Airline Network Goals

To meet its ambitious climate goals, the group is relying on several levers. These include fleet modernization and improving operational efficiencies. The TUI Airline network has a specific, validated target. It aims to reduce CO2 per revenue passenger kilometer by 24% by 2030. This is measured against a 2019 baseline.

SAF is considered one of the most effective measures. It can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. This is key for the short and medium term.

Regulatory and Industry Context

The move aligns with growing regulatory pressure and industry initiatives in Europe. TUI Group's efforts support the goals of the European Commission’s 'RefuelEU Aviation' initiative. This legislative package sets mandatory blending targets for alternative jet fuel.

• The initial target is 2% SAF use by 2025.
• This rises to 5% by 2030.
• The long-term goal is 63% SAF use by 2050.

By proactively increasing its SAF consumption, TUI is moving beyond current blending obligations. The company is also actively working to secure future supply. TUI has a partnership with Spanish energy company Cepsa. This collaboration promotes the production and supply of SAF. The fuel is produced from circular raw materials. These include used cooking oils and non-food animal waste.

Industry Impact and Challenges

The tourism operator sustainability push highlights a key challenge. Increasing SAF availability and reducing its cost remains critical. Mikkel Hansen, a communications manager for TUI Group, noted this focus. He stated that increased SAF use is an important tool for emissions reduction.

Key Takeaways for Aviation Stakeholders:

• Opportunity: The massive increase signals strong demand from major leisure carriers.
• Challenge: The global supply of SAF must scale up rapidly to meet these new demands and RefuelEU Aviation targets.
• Trustworthiness: TUI's commitment is validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

This aggressive aviation decarbonisation strategy by a leading tourism group sets a strong precedent. It pressures the entire supply chain to accelerate the transition to more sustainable operations.

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