The European aviation industry is currently “on track” to achieve the target of using at least 6 per cent alternative aviation fuels to power aircraft by 2030, according to an EU report.
An annual report by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) into the uptake of alternative fuels, known as “sustainable” aviation fuel (SAF) by the industry, said that the new ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation has “stimulated increased SAF production” within the EU.
The regulation established the “blending mandate”, which sets the mandatory minimum percentage for the use of alternative aviation fuels by airlines. This came into force at 2 per cent of all fuel used in 2025 and is due to increase to 6 per cent by 2030 before accelerating to 20 per cent in 2035 and 70 per cent by 2050.
Earlier this month, leading European airlines warned that without increased support for alternative aviation fuels from the EU there would be rising costs - leading to reduced air travel accessibility and connectivity across Europe.
But the EU is striking a more optimistic tone, with sustainable transport and tourism commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas emphasising that it was “making steady progress in adopting sustainable aviation fuels”.
“The ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation is already helping to increase SAF production and use across member states,” added Tzitzikostas. “Our focus now is on supporting the industry and member states to ensure a smooth and fair transition to cleaner aviation fuels."
The EASA report found that nearly all SAF used in the EU during 2024 was biofuel, with 81 per cent produced from used cooking oil and another 17 per cent from waste animal fat.
But the agency noted that the alternative aviation fuel market “remains concentrated” with 25 suppliers providing SAF to 33 airports in 12 countries during 2024. Airports in just five member states - France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden – received 99 per cent of all supply.
Alternative fuel accounted for only 0.6 per cent of all aviation fuel supplied at EU airports last year, which reduced CO2 emissions by around 714 kilotonnes – equivalent to 10,000 flights between Madrid and Paris. But the average price of SAF (€2,085 per tonne) was nearly three times higher than conventional jet fuel (€734 per tonne).
EASA’s next annual report will use 2025 data to assess whether the first blending mandate target of 2 per cent has been achieved.
Maria Rueda, EASA’s safety management, sustainability and global outreach director, said: “This first annual technical report marks an important milestone and makes clear that the EU has taken important first steps.
“A functioning reporting system is now in place, initial reporting compliance levels are solid, and SAF delivery is happening across multiple member states. This report sets an important benchmark for our sustainability efforts in the future.”