Sustainable aviation fuel adoption in the UK is unlikely to meet the 2025 target, data suggests. The UK government's first annual mandate for sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is at risk of falling short, according to official figures. Production data from the Department for Transport (DfT) reveals that SAF accounted for only 1.6% of fuel supplied for UK flights, a 20% shortfall from the required 2%. The mandate, introduced in January, aims to boost SAF usage within the overall aviation fuel mix, with targets rising sharply from 2% in 2025 to 10% in 2030 and 22% in 2040, including second-generation fuels. So far, SAF supply has been sourced exclusively from recycled cooking oil from Asia, primarily China, according to DfT figures. The data indicates that over 160 million litres of SAF were used out of 10 billion litres of jet fuel burned in UK flights until early October. The DfT acknowledges that the figures are provisional due to verification time, with final figures expected in November 2026. While SAF-powered planes emit equal CO2 levels during flight, SAF production significantly reduces the net carbon footprint. Despite skepticism from scientists and environmental groups, SAF production and adoption are seen as crucial for commercial aviation's emissions reduction, especially for long-haul flights. The government's support for aviation as an economic driver and airport expansions, such as Gatwick and Luton, contrasts with promises to consult the Climate Change Committee on Heathrow's third runway plans. Aviation minister Keir Mather emphasizes that Heathrow expansion must meet Labour's four tests, including climate impact reduction, but decarbonization is seen as a 'license for growth'. SAF is highlighted as the biggest opportunity, with the government's SAF bill offering revenue certainty for investors and producers. Heathrow airport's incentive scheme for cleaner fuel usage is expected to meet its 3% SAF target in 2025. However, airlines face challenges in accessing SAF outside major hub airports and question the feasibility of future mandates, especially with costlier second-generation and power-to-liquid SAF yet to be produced in large quantities. The UK's progress in aviation is notable, but global SAF production growth is stalling, with Iata reporting that SAF supplied only 0.6% of total jet fuel consumption in 2025, projected to rise to 0.8% in 2026. Iata's director general, Willie Walsh, criticized the mandates, suggesting that incentives need to be re-evaluated to support decarbonization efforts.
