EU Airlines Required to Use 70% Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2050 Under RED III and ReFuelEU Regulations
The EU has introduced regulations mandating that airlines increase the share of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to 70% by 2050, beginning with a 6% requirement in 2030. This is part of the RED III directive and ReFuelEU regulation aimed at reducing aviation CO2 emissions by up to 90%.
Airlines will need to blend SAF with conventional Jet-A fuel, and all major EU airports must have infrastructure for this blending by 2035. Although SAF production is expected to rise, it currently meets only 0.5% of aviation fuel demand, which may lead to increased ticket and cargo transport costs.
Airlines will also face costs from the EU Emissions Trading System, needing to cover 100% of their emissions starting in 2026. The regulations encourage investment in renewable energy and new technologies, presenting both challenges and opportunities for companies.
