In view of the current scenario, WTTC has called on governments around the world to “get serious” on incentivising Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, without which the aviation sector cannot decarbonise on a scale that will enable it to attain NetZero by 2050.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has called on governments around the world to “get serious” on incentivising Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production and set ambitious targets to produce adequate quantities.

According to the international tourism organisation, without meaningful quantities of SAF the aviation sector cannot decarbonise on a scale that will enable it to attain NetZero by 2050, as pledged to by the industry and endorsed by ICAO Member States.

The statement says that the aviation industry expects to reach net zero carbon emissions by delivering the maximum reduction in emissions at source, through the use of SAF and innovative new propulsion technologies like hydrogen and electric. Deploying modern fuel-efficient aircraft fleets will also add to the cause, as will operational efficiency improvements in air navigation, for example, and out-of-sector solutions like offsetting or carbon capture.

It adds that SAF is expected to deliver the majority of greenhouse gas abatements needed to achieve NetZero carbon emissions by 2050. Unfortunately, SAF production rates are insufficient to meet demand and prices remain high, despite the recent exponential increase in production.

“It is time for governments to take bold action and prioritise the production of sustainable aviation fuel. We are calling on all governments to act now. The demand for SAF has never been higher, airlines all over the world want to use SAF and have used every molecule ever made. However, current SAF production only meets 0.1 pc to 0.15 pc of requirement, despite a 200 pc increase in production in 2022 vs 2021. This leaves a massive gap that can only be filled through rapid and sustained investment,’’ says Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC.

The statement adds that to address this urgent issue, WTTC has called on governments to  provide strong incentives to encourage investment in SAF production, including tax credits, grants or other financial incentives while working with the sector to set ambitious SAF production targets. It is also crucial to coordinate their actions through the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the specialised UN agency for aviation, to ensure global uniformity in SAF regulations, sustainability standards, procedures, and organisation.

“At today’s prices, SAF is on average three to five times more expensive than traditional fossil fuels. Governments must address this cost disparity by providing financial support and incentives to make SAF more accessible and affordable. Without those targets and without those incentives, the sector cannot decarbonise. The G7 leaders have an opportunity this week to deliver critical leadership on this issue by following-up on the commitment of their Climate, Energy and Environment ministers to accelerate efforts to decarbonise the aviation industry, including through the promotion of SAF. Turning the words of a communique into concrete policies to scale up SAF production would give aviation’s decarbonisation a critical boost,” Simpson adds.

The statement adds that WTTC in partnership with ICF is set to launch a white paper, demystifying the impact and benefits of SAF for tourism destinations around the world. The white paper, Sustainable Aviation Fuels: The Implications & Opportunities for Tourism Destinations, sets out three critical actions destinations are advised to undertake to address the challenge and embrace the opportunities of SAF.