One of the core principles around which the industry has developed its potential long-term pathway to decarbonization is the notion of sustainable aviation, and in this, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) may play a critical part.
Jetting around the world is commonly known to be a source of global carbon emissions. However, studies show that flying is responsible for only 2.5% of worldwide carbon emissions*.
That’s due to a few factors. The incremental introduction of alternative fuel offerings, such as SAF, potentially forms part of the industry’s decarbonization strategy.
Understanding Sustainable Fuel
The aim is to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 in the aviation industry. Sustainable fuel potentially decreases lifecycle CO₂ emissions; to be more precise, net emissions are estimated to decrease by up to 80%.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel, also known as SAF, can be created from natural resources or synthetic materials. Natural sources may include waste oil, organic waste and crops — where cultivated specifically for energy purposes and without competing with food production.
Synthetic SAF generally involves removing carbon from the air. This process typically enables fuel production without reliance on conventional fossil feedstocks and potentially supports the development of a circular carbon cycle.
Of course, plants and waste materials used to create SAF can generally be quickly replenished.
The aviation industry is already using sustainable fuel. The first test flight using SAF was completed as far back as 2008. By 2011, it was approved for aircraft use. It has become a practical option for airlines operating turboprop aircraft, such as those in the ATR fleet. ATR is also an active member of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) and aligns with the sector’s broader efforts toward long-term decarbonization targets, including net-zero ambitions by 2050.
All fuel-burning engines convert fuel into energy, which propels the aircraft forward. The by-product of this process is CO₂. The more fuel burned, the more CO₂ is emitted.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) does not change the amount of CO₂ released during combustion. However, it is produced from renewable sources, such as plants, waste materials, or used cooking oil, that absorb CO₂ during their lifecycle. This is generally associated with a lower overall carbon footprint than conventional fossil fuels, depending on feedstock and production methods.
Across its full lifecycle, SAF can potentially reduce net CO₂ emissions by up to 80%.
Whether operating a turboprop or a jet aircraft, emissions remain a natural outcome of engine operation. However, to further reduce CO₂ emissions, more airlines are investing in turboprop aircraft. Their engines are typically well-suited to regional routes, in part due to design characteristics such as lower thrust requirements and operating speeds, which may support reduced fuel consumption and lower lifecycle emissions.
Airlines are using turboprops to support regional connectivity, as they can land on smaller airfields, offer competitive performance characteristics, and potentially support operators in aligning with evolving industry emissions objectives.
A scale-up of SAF production may be essential to fully realize its potential. Increased availability could potentially support the aviation sector’s progress toward emission-reduction goals and contribute to broader cross-industry innovation efforts.
*https://ourworldindata.org/global-aviation-emissions
https://omaha.com/life-entertainment/article_a25d9e6c-97f8-5ac9-881d-4a0d4babb1bc.html