Neste, World Fuel Services Expand SAF Supply to 100+ European Airports

Neste and World Fuel Services have formalized a five-year agreement to substantially increase the availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at more than 100 airports across Europe. The deal strengthens a critical supply chain for renewable fuels as the aviation industry faces escalating pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.

The partnership directly addresses the growing urgency among airlines to secure reliable SAF supplies ahead of tightening regulatory deadlines. This move supports operators in meeting their obligations under new mandates, including the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation and the UK SAF Mandate, by combining a major producer's output with an established global distribution network.

A Strategic Supply Chain Partnership

The collaboration leverages the core strengths of both companies: Neste's expanding production of renewable fuels and World Fuel Services' extensive logistics and distribution infrastructure throughout the European continent. According to the official announcement, the agreement is designed to provide airlines with more flexible and dependable access to SAF.

“By combining our extensive European network with Neste's growing SAF production, we are strengthening the supply foundation our customers rely on as regulatory requirements accelerate across the region,” said Duncan Storey, Senior Vice President for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) at World Fuel Services. “This agreement enhances our ability to deliver consistent, scalable access to SAF where it's needed most.”

Neste produces its SAF from 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. When used in its pure (neat) form, the fuel can reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80% over its life cycle compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.

“These kinds of collaborations are crucial to supporting the aviation industry in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting SAF mandates,” stated Carl Nyberg, Senior Vice President of Commercial, Renewable Products at Neste.

Bolstering Production to Meet Demand

The agreement comes as Neste continues a significant expansion of its production capabilities. The company’s current global SAF production capability stands at 1.5 million tons per annum. A key component of this output is its renewable products refinery in Rotterdam, which can produce up to 500,000 tons of SAF annually.

Looking ahead, Neste plans to increase its total annual SAF production capability to 2.2 million tons in 2027. This increased volume is essential for meeting the anticipated surge in demand driven by both voluntary airline commitments and legally binding government mandates.

Navigating a New Regulatory Landscape

The timing of the partnership is directly linked to the implementation of landmark environmental legislation in Europe. The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation, managed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), establishes progressively increasing minimum shares of SAF that must be blended with conventional jet fuel at EU airports.

The mandate begins with a 2% SAF blend requirement in 2025, a figure that rises sharply to 6% in 2030, 20% in 2035, and ultimately reaches 70% in 2050. Similarly, the United Kingdom has instituted its own UK SAF Mandate, requiring a growing percentage of SAF use for airlines operating in the country. This agreement provides a direct mechanism for World Fuel Services' airline customers to procure the necessary volumes to comply with these regulations.

Industry Impact and Market Trends

The five-year term of the deal signals a broader market shift away from short-term or spot purchases of SAF. As mandates become a reality, airlines and fuel suppliers are moving toward more structured, multi-year arrangements to guarantee supply security and manage price volatility. The industry recognizes SAF as the primary near-term decarbonization tool, as it is a

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