The aviation industry is on the brink of a transformative era, heralded by the UK government’s recent announcement of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate, set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This initiative, which aims for 2% of all aviation fuel to be sustainable by 2025 and ramping up to 22% by 2040, marks a significant leap forward towards reducing the sector’s carbon footprint. Rinad El-Rabba, CEO of iFuel, one of the leading aviation services providers, underscores the critical role of SAF in reshaping the future of aviation.
Rinad El-Rabaa, CEO of iFuel
Since its inception in 2020, iFuel has rapidly evolved from a jet fuel supplier to a global aviation service provider, driven by a vision of leveraging technology, sustainable resources, and exemplary customer service. The company’s commitment to sustainability is now more pertinent than ever, as the industry faces increasing pressure to mitigate its environmental impact.
It is a known fact now that traditional aviation fuels, derived from fossil fuel sources, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. The UK’s aviation sector alone accounts for 7% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, SAF offers a cleaner alternative, achieving up to 70% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuels. The Jet Zero Strategy highlights SAF as a pivotal technology for reaching net-zero aviation emissions by 2050, especially while alternatives like hydrogen or battery-powered aircraft remain commercially unfeasible. “SAF represents the future of aviation,” says Rinad. “It’s not just about reducing emissions; it’s about ensuring the longevity and sustainability of the aviation industry.”
Currently, the production and availability of SAF are limited. In 2023, only 64,000 tonnes of SAF were produced globally, a stark contrast to the 230,000 tonnes required to meet the 2025 mandate. Additionally, SAF is more expensive than traditional jet fuel, posing economic challenges for widespread adoption. However, initiatives such as the UK’s tradeable certificate scheme, which rewards SAF supply based on greenhouse gas reductions, aim to mitigate these financial hurdles.
iFuel is actively addressing these challenges by purchasing SAF in larger volumes and refueling directly, thereby reducing costs and encouraging broader use. The company’s strategic partnerships with key suppliers have also been instrumental in enhancing the availability and affordability of SAF.
iFuel Refueling
Rinad recently attended the third annual Future Aviation Forum, where SAF was a central topic of discussion. The forum underscored the necessity for the aviation industry to adopt sustainable practices proactively, rather than reactively. “Organizations that embrace SAF now are not only complying with upcoming regulations but are also positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability,” the CEO notes. “In the next 50 years, SAF will be the predominant fuel long before we see widespread use of electric planes.”
The UK’s SAF mandate, modeled partly after the EU’s ReFuelEU initiative, combines regulatory requirements with economic incentives to stimulate SAF production and integration. By implementing a tradeable certificate scheme and offering a buy-out option for non-compliance, the mandate aims to balance the push for environmental sustainability with economic viability.
Moreover, the SAF mandate will interact with the UK’s emissions trading scheme, encouraging airlines to adopt SAF and reduce their carbon footprints. This holistic approach ensures that both fuel suppliers and airlines contribute to the sector’s environmental goals.
iFuel’s dedication to sustainability extends beyond compliance. The company is investing in research and development to improve SAF production methods and reduce costs. This commitment aligns with broader industry trends, where advancements in SAF technology promise not only environmental benefits but also economic gains for regions capable of producing SAF feedstocks. “I feel, SAF is truly a catalyst for change in the aviation industry,” Rinad El-Rabaa emphasizes. “By investing in sustainable solutions today, we are securing a greener, more resilient future for aviation.”
As the industry prepares for the 2025 SAF mandate, iFuel stands at the forefront, advocating for and implementing sustainable practices that will shape the future of flight. Through innovation, strategic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, the company is poised to lead the aviation industry into a new era of environmental responsibility.
Media Contact
Name: Daria Lebedeva
Email: [email protected]
