Brussels, 17 July 2025: The European aviation sector, represented by the DESTINATION 2050 partnersA4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO Europe, ERA, together with fuel suppliers (Fuels Europe, Hydrogen Europe, Project SkyPower) and cargo and express delivery operators (European Cargo Alliance, European Express Association), today issued an urgent call for accelerated policy support to unlock the full decarbonisation potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
The joint call highlights the pressing challenges of affordable SAF deployment across Europe. Chief amongst them is that the current SAF market remains nascent — HEFA‑based fuels (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) are the only commercially available option today and face a substantial cost gap compared to conventional kerosene. At the same time, next‑generation SAF pathways — such as e‑SAF and advanced biofuels — continue to struggle with access to investment, in particular in reaching Final Investment Decisions (FID).
In response, the industry has laid out a 10‑point action plan, designed to address early‑mover disadvantages and catalyse the scale‑up of SAF production and deployment. The plan lays out the key regulatory and financial measures needed to de‑risk investment, bridge the significant cost gap and incentivise innovation in fuel technologies critical to decarbonising air transport.
This call to action was handed over today to Apostolos Tzitzikostas, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, during the Implementation Dialogue he convened to specifically address the ramp up of renewable and low‑carbon transport fuel production.
The initiative comes at a pivotal moment, as the European Commission prepares to unveil its Sustainable Transport Investment Plan in Q3 2025 — which is expected to finally provide the support needed to effectively accelerate and deploy SAF and related infrastructure.
ENDS
Notes to Editor
Access the Aviation Industry Call for Policy Action on SAF here.
About DESTINATION 2050
Europe’s aviation sector is collectively on board to lead the way in reducing aviation CO2 emissions — making flying more sustainable for the long term. In February 2021, Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers laid out a joint long‑term vision along with concrete solutions to the complex challenge of reaching net‑zero CO2 emissions from all flights departing the EU, UK and EFTA by 2050. The independent report by the Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) and SEO Amsterdam Economics shows how a combination of actions from all stakeholders — including the EU and national governments — in four key areas could achieve substantial CO2 emissions reductions in line with EU climate goals. These include: Improvements in aircraft and engine technologies (including hybrid, electric and hydrogen propulsion), using sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) both for fixed- and rotary‑wing platforms, implementing economic measures and improvements in air traffic management (ATM) and aircraft operations. The updated roadmap was released in February 2025. For more information, visit www.destination2050.eu
About A4E
Airlines for Europe (A4E) is Europe’s largest airline association. Based in Brussels, A4E works with policymakers to ensure aviation policy continues to connect Europeans with the world in a safe, competitive and sustainable manner. With a modern fleet of over 3,600 aircraft, A4E airlines carried over 718 million passengers in 2023 and served nearly 2,100 destinations. Each year, A4E members transport more than 5 million tons of vital goods and equipment to more than 360 destinations either by freighters or passenger aircraft. A4E is #Flyingforourfuture with our commitment to Europe and our call to action for incoming European policymakers. Find out more at www.flyingforourfuture.eu
About ACI EUROPE
ACI EUROPE is the European region of Airports Council International, the only worldwide professional association of airport operators. ACI EUROPE represents over 600 airports in 55 countries. Our members facilitate over 90% of commercial air traffic in Europe. Air transport supports 14 million jobs, generating €851 billion in European economic activity (5% of GDP). In response to the Climate Emergency, in June 2019 our members committed to achieving Net Zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050, without offsetting. Based in Brussels, we lead and serve the European airport industry and maintain strong links with other ACI regions throughout the world. www.aci-europe.org
About ASD
ASD is the voice of the European Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries. Based in Brussels, the association’s overall representation adds up to more than 4,000 companies, accounting for 98% of industry’s total turnover and 92% of its total employment in Europe. ASD actively supports the competitive development of our industries in Europe and worldwide by advocating common positions and providing technical expertise to public institutions and member companies. For more, visit www.asd-europe.org and follow us on LinkedIn.
About CANSO
CANSO – the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation – is the global voice of the air traffic management (ATM) industry and is shaping our future skies. Our members support over 90% of the world’s air traffic and include air navigation service providers, airspace users and operators, manufacturers and aviation industry suppliers. We raise the bar on global ATM performance by connecting the industry to share knowledge, expertise and innovation. www.canso.org
About ERA
Founded in 1980, European Regions Airline Association (ERA) is a non-profit trade association representing over 50 airlines plus around 150 other companies involved in European air transport and is the only association that bring together the entire spectrum of companies involved in European aviation. The association supports and defends the airline industry in providing safe, efficient and sustainable air connectivity to all regions of Europe. By lobbying European regulatory bodies on policy matters, ERA promotes and protects social responsibility, environmental sustainability and the development of regional economies and local communities. www.eraa.org
Media contacts
A4E
Kevin Hiney
Communications Director
Email: kevin.hiney@a4e.eu
Phone: +32 499 82 82 94
ACI EUROPE
Agata Lyznik
Director of Communications and Media
Email: agata.lyznik@aci-europe.org
Phone: +32 2 552 09 89
ASD
Adrian Schmitz
Communications Director
Email: adrian.schmitz@asd-europe.org
Phone: +32 473 13 33 30
CANSO Europe
Johnny Pring
Manager Europe Policy and Advocacy
Email: johnny.pring@canso.org
Phone: +32 493 53 61 24
ERA
Becky Warburton
Editor Corporate Communications
Email: becky.warburton@eraa.org
Phone: +44 1276 485582