SAF can be produced in several ways, but the end product must meet at least the same requirements as fossil jet fuel. Once approved, the fuel can be used in existing aircraft, storage tanks and pipelines. The four most obvious methods are
1. HEFA, primarily based on used cooking oil.
2. Fischer Tropsch gasification based on waste as well as wood and residuals.
3. Alcohol to jet (AtJ), mostly based on residual products from sugary raw materials or enzymatic processes.
4. Electrofuels, also called PtX or eSAF, produced on electricity, carbon and hydrogen.
Common to all those mentioned is that a maximum of 50% may be mixed into conventional fuel. Efforts are being made to lift or remove this restriction. Airbus and Boeing as well as some airlines have completed successful test flights with 100% SAF, however, a SAF that must still contain a certain amount of aromatics.
It is crucial that the fuel is sustainable. This is not included in the technical approval but separately by independent organizations that apply a comprehensive set of sustainability criteria for the raw materials, transport and production method used.
Today, there are only few producers that can continuously supply SAF to a broader market. HEFA oil based on used cooking oil is the dominant one in the market. So far SAF accounts for just a few per mille of aviation fuel consumption globally. New producers are expected to be on the market during 2025-26, and a further number of manufacturers are expected to be ready with the first AtJ, Fischer/Tropsch catalytic, or PtX/electrofuel products.
Since UCO is the most widely used feedstock, it is worth mentioning that there is a natural limit to how much is available. Therefore, there is a limit in EU rules on how much can be used in the transport sector. Critics have also pointed out that it can be extremely difficult to ensure sustainability all the way back in the supply chain, especially with regard to where the used cooking oil comes from. Limited access to raw materials is a risk for all methods, however to a lesser extend electrofuels, that are primarily dependent on electricity, hydrogen and carbon. Here, access to renewable energy and carbon are the challenges.
eSAF or synthetic SAF products is supposed to be the future fuel. Several development projects are underway both in the Nordic region, Denmark, Norway and Sweden and internationally. The EU and several international analyzes finds that electrofuels will become dominant within the next, or few, decades.
EU’s minimum requirement to blend-in SAF from 2025

Hydrogen-powered aircraft offer significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and moving towards sustainable aviation. The use of hydrogen as a clean energy source can lead to a substantial decrease in the environmental impact of air travel, making it a key focus area for aviation innovation.
Efforts to advance hydrogen aircraft technology involve addressing challenges such as storage, distribution, and infrastructure requirements. By investing in research and development, stakeholders aim to make hydrogen-powered aviation a viable and widespread option in the future.
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Hybrid aircraft offer a promising solution for reducing emissions and fuel consumption in the aviation industry, gradually transitioning towards greener and more sustainable air travel. By integrating electric and traditional propulsion systems, these aircraft can achieve increased efficiency and environmental benefits.
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As governments and airlines worldwide set ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, hybrid aircraft represent a crucial step towards achieving a more eco-friendly and efficient aviation sector.
Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles are paving the way for sustainable urban air mobility solutions, reducing emissions and noise pollution in densely populated areas.
These electric aircraft have the potential to transform the future of transportation, offering efficient and environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional modes of travel.
As advancements in battery technology and aerodynamics continue, the capabilities and reach of eVTOL aircraft are expected to expand, opening up new possibilities for aerial transportation across various sectors.
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