After launching the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentive programme in 2022, Heathrow is aiming to tirple the percentage used in 2023 to 1.5%. SAF aimed to cover up to 50% of the extra cost, making the fuel more affordable for airlines. With last year’s scheme oversubscribed, by tripling the percetange in 2023, it puts the airport on course to be one the world’s largest users of SAF this year. Participants of the scheme include IAG, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines, Air France, KLM and JetBlue. 

SAF is a proven technology that reduces carbon emissions by up to 70% compared with traditional jet fuel. It can be made from a variety of sources, including waste, animal fat and cooking oil. SAF can work in existing aircraft without the need for technical modifications, and with advancements in aircraft technology like electric or hydrogen-powered flight still some way from commercial implementation, SAF is the key to unlocking material reductions in carbon today.

Heathrow’s SAF programme marks the next step in the airport and the UK aviation sector’s plan for net zero flying, but the airport recognises that the sector could move more quickly and cut carbon faster if Government injected pace into the expansion of SAF with supportive policy making. High costs and low production volumes mean it remains in short supply with few able to access it at commercially viable rates.

Heathrow CEO John Holland-Kaye said: “Sustainable aviation fuel is not just about protecting the benefits of aviation in a net zero world - it’s about economic opportunity, creating jobs here in the UK and securing the country’s future energy supplies. Heathrow has led the way on decarbonising aviation by incentivising airlines to use SAF, and Team Heathrow is now probably the biggest user of SAF in the world. But it is currently all imported.  If Britain really wants to compete with the scale of ambition and the credible action seen from the US and Europe, supportive Government policy is needed and it is needed now.”