The aviation industry is facing one of its greatest challenges: the transition to sustainable fuels. In view of the pressing climate change and the increasing environmental impact of air traffic, the European Union has set ambitious goals. From 2025, airlines must gradually integrate Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), i.e. CO2-neutral fuels, into their fleets. This measure is part of the EU project "ReFuelEU Aviation", which aims to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from aviation and make the industry more sustainable in the long term.
However, the introduction of SAF is associated with considerable difficulties. European airlines are facing an acute shortage of these fuels. SAF is currently up to five times more expensive than conventional kerosene, which affects the competitiveness of airlines. Günther Ofner, chairman of the aviation professional group in the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (WKÖ), emphasized at an industry press conference the urgent need for targeted support and an adjustment of EU regulations in order to accelerate the production and use of SAF.
Challenges and demands of the aviation industry
The aviation industry is facing several challenges that stand in the way of the rapid introduction of SAF. Firstly, the large price difference between SAF and conventional kerosene is a key obstacle. To overcome this bottleneck, the industry association is calling for the taxes on airline tickets and the proceeds from emissions trading to be earmarked. These funds should be used specifically to promote the production of SAF and reduce the price difference.
Another key point concerns the strict requirements in the European emissions trading system, which currently exclude the inclusion of CO2 generated outside the EU in the accounting of SAF production. The industry is calling for an adjustment here to enable the use of CO2 from all sources and to improve the availability of SAF.
There is also a demand for a more flexible annual average regulation for the blending of SAF. This regulation should enable airlines to use different blending ratios of kerosene and SAF at different locations and at different times. This would balance out the fluctuating availability of SAF and make the transition to the new fuels easier overall.
Political and economic implications
The switch to sustainable aviation fuels is not only a technical challenge, but also a political and economic one. The aviation industry in Europe sees itself at a disadvantage in international competition due to current regulations. While EU airlines have to purchase expensive SAF for the entire flight route, competitors outside the EU can fly more cheaply because they only need SAF for parts of the route.
Günther Ofner stresses the urgency of quickly adapting EU regulations to reduce these competitive disadvantages and support the European aviation industry. "The restriction on EU emissions must be lifted to enable the successful implementation of eco-kerosene," he explains. This is the only way European airlines can secure their position in the global market in the long term and at the same time meet the EU's environmental goals.
The introduction of Sustainable Aviation Fuels marks a decisive step towards more sustainable aviation. However, further efforts are needed from politicians, industry and regulators to accelerate the production of SAF and reduce price differences. Only through targeted support measures and an adjustment of the regulatory framework can European airlines efficiently and cost-effectively convert their fleets to the new, more environmentally friendly fuels.
The coming years will be crucial for whether Europe can achieve its ambitious climate targets in aviation. Adapting the framework conditions and providing targeted support to the industry are essential to ensure a successful transition to sustainable fuels.
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