Neste & World Fuel Expand SAF Availability to 100+ European Airports

Neste and World Fuel Services have extended their partnership with a new five-year agreement to expand the availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) across more than 100 airports in Europe. The deal significantly widens access to renewable jet fuel for airlines operating within World Fuel's extensive European network, addressing growing demand for aviation decarbonization solutions.

This expanded collaboration is critical for airlines preparing to comply with upcoming regulatory requirements, including the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. The European Union mandate requires a minimum 2% SAF blend at EU airports starting in 2025, with the proportion increasing incrementally to 70% by 2050. The partnership also supports compliance with the UK's separate SAF mandate.

Scaling Production to Meet Demand

The agreement leverages Neste's position as a leading SAF producer. According to company data, Neste currently has a global SAF production capability of 1.5 million tons per year. The company plans to increase this capacity to 2.2 million tons annually by 2027. Neste's SAF is produced from 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, which can reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80% over the fuel's life cycle compared to conventional jet fuel.

In an official statement, Carl Nyberg, Neste's Senior Vice President, emphasized the importance of such collaborations. He stated that they are crucial for the aviation industry to reduce GHG emissions and meet mandates like the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. Duncan Storey, World Fuel's Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), added that combining their network with Neste's production strengthens the SAF supply foundation for customers as regulations accelerate.

Broader Industry Context

The partnership reflects a broader industry trend of collaboration between fuel producers and distributors to build a more robust SAF supply chain. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has set a target for the global air transport industry to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with SAF projected to contribute approximately 65% of the necessary emissions reduction. However, challenges related to availability and cost remain a concern for many operators.

By making Neste-produced SAF more widely available, the partnership aims to provide airlines with a more reliable and accessible pathway to reduce their carbon footprint and adhere to evolving environmental standards across Europe.

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