International aviation is facing a new source of tension — requirements for the use of ‘green’ aviation fuel known as SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel). Starting in 2025, the European Union has obligated airlines to ensure a minimum share of SAF in refueling at 2%, with standards set to tighten gradually thereafter. At the same time, the EU intends to extend environmental levies to foreign airlines operating flights to Europe.
The main problem is that the market is not yet ready for such a pace of transition. According to IATA data, the share of SAF in global aviation fuel consumption is currently less than 1%, and the cost of such fuel is several times higher than conventional jet fuel. As a result, airlines face a situation where environmental requirements are growing significantly faster than the industry’s ability to supply the necessary volumes of fuel.
Against this backdrop, concern about future costs is growing across the aviation industry. European carriers have already warned that the SAF shortage, environmental levies, and rising costs will inevitably be reflected in the price of airline tickets and freight transport. Ultimately, the ecological transition in aviation is gradually becoming not only a climate initiative, but also a serious economic challenge for the global aviation market.
