Will Airlines Meet EASA's New Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate by 2027?

The European Union (EU) has introduced a landmark regulation. This new law is accelerating the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). It is a critical step toward EU aviation decarbonization goals. The mandate is officially known as the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. It sets a minimum percentage Sustainable Aviation Fuel requirement. This requirement applies to all fuel suppliers at major EU airports.

This regulation impacts all flights departing from European airports. It forces a major shift in the future of jet fuel supply. The mandate is a core part of the EU's "Fit for 55" package. This package aims to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The new rules are already in effect for monitoring and reporting.

Key Details of the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation

The EASA Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandate began its phase-in on January 1, 2025. It started with an initial SAF blending obligation of 2% of the total fuel supplied. This minimum share will increase steadily over the next decades. The regulation targets a 6% SAF blend by 2030. This percentage will then rise to 70% by 2050.

Synthetic Fuel Sub-Mandate

The regulation includes a sub-mandate for synthetic aviation fuels. These are also known as e-fuels or Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs). This sub-target starts at 1.2% by 2030. It reaches 35% of the total SAF blend by 2050. Synthetic fuels offer a path to greater CO2 reduction potential. However, achieving this sub-mandate requires accelerated investment.

The 2027 Review and EASA's Role

The European Commission will present a detailed assessment in 2027. This review will monitor compliance and market developments. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is central to this process. EASA is tasked with crucial monitoring and reporting functions. The agency's reports provide insights into the evolving SAF market. This 2027 review will assess the need to revise the scope or the minimum shares. It will also evaluate the level of fines for non-compliance.

Industry Challenges and SAF Production

One major challenge is the current low level of Sustainable Aviation Fuel production. As of 2024, SAF represented only 0.53% of global jet fuel use. Significant expansion of production capacity is required. The mandate is imposed on fuel suppliers. Yet, the cost is ultimately passed to airlines using minimum SAF.

• Cost Disparity: SAF prices are currently 3 to 10 times higher than conventional jet fuel.
• Supply Chain: The industry needs massive investment in new biorefineries.
• Competition: SAF feedstocks are also used for other renewable fuels.

Industry bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have expressed concern. They worry that high SAF prices divert resources from other investments. Manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing are developing aircraft. These new models are capable of using 100% SAF. However, current certified SAF blends are limited to 50%.

Impact on Aircraft Operators and Airports

The regulation directly affects aircraft operators. Airlines departing from EU airports must comply with a 90% uplift rule. This means the fuel uplifted must be at least 90% of the fuel needed for the flight. This rule is designed to prevent economic tankering practices. Tankering is carrying extra fuel to avoid expensive refueling elsewhere. This practice adds weight and increases emissions. The new rule aims to eliminate these unnecessary emissions.

Major EU airports must also adapt their infrastructure. They must ensure their fueling systems can handle SAF distribution. Penalties for non-compliance are significant. They will be set by member state authorities. The penalties for airlines will be at least twice the average price of conventional jet fuel. This is multiplied by the quantity of SAF that was not uplifted. This financial risk makes compliance a top priority for all global carriers operating in Europe.

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