The government has confirmed a new set of targets have been put in place to ensure 10% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the United Kingdom comes from sustainable sources through to 2030.
The targets, which form part of the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate, are set to come into force by February 2025, with the mandate itself looking to be one of the first in the world to be actioned by law.
Thus far, the government has committed to purchasing roughly 1.2 million tonnes of SAF for the UK airline sector each year and has devised a review mechanism to ensure managed ticket prices for passengers.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:Sustainable aviation fuel protects the future of UK aviation, the thousands of British jobs that depend on it, and the holidays and business travel flights that we all rely on.
As part of our plan to grow the economy, the measures announced today will give both UK aviation and the UK SAF industry the certainty they need to keep creating skilled British jobs while giving passengers the freedom to continue travelling by air in a way that’s fit for the future.
In addition, the government also recently launched an investigation into a range of solutions for a SAF revenue certainty scheme.
Karen Dee, Chief Executive of the Airport Operators Association, said:, said:Sustainable aviation fuel is a key part of the decarbonisation of air travel and a domestic SAF industry will create jobs, wealth and help the UK secure its energy independence.
We are pleased that the government has brought forward proposals for a mandate and revenue certainty scheme, that will send the message to investors that the UK is serious about developing its own production facilities. Government and industry must now work together to keep this momentum towards delivery going so that we can grow sustainably and meet our carbon targets.
