Most of the world's airlines are not making enough effort to switch to sustainable fuels, according to a study by Brussels-based lobby group Transport and Environment, which also found that oil producers were not investing not enough in the transition.
The comments come as the airline industry calls for increased production of the fuel, which can be made from materials such as wood chips and used cooking oil.
“Unfortunately, airlines are currently unable to significantly reduce their emissions because they are not purchasing enough sustainable aviation fuel,” said Francesco Catte, head of aviation policy at Transport and Environment.
Currently, SAF represents approximately 1% of aviation fuel used in the global market, which must increase for airlines to meet their carbon emissions reduction targets. The fuel can cost two to five times more than regular kerosene.
Lack of investment from major oil players, who have the capital to build SAF processing facilities, is hampering the market growth, the study said.
In its ranking, Transport and Environment cites Air France-KLM, United Airlines and Norwegian among airlines that have taken concrete steps to purchase sustainable jet fuel, particularly its cleaner-burning synthetic version.
But 87% of them aren't making a significant effort, according to the rankings, and even those who do risk falling short of their own goals if they don't invest more.
Airlines such as Italy's ITA Airways and Portugal's TAP have done little to ensure SAF in the coming years, according to the rankings.
A TAP spokesperson said the airline was the first to fly to Portugal with SAF in July 2022, “and is committed to flying with 10% SAF in 2030.”
ITA Airways did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
