The aviation industry is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) offers a promising path to decarbonization. However, SAF adoption remains limited due to high costs, feedstock scarcity, and underdeveloped supply chains. One way to address these challenges could be through a multi-faceted approach that tackles feedstock innovation, production efficiency, and policy incentives to make SAF a mainstream alternative to fossil-based jet fuel.

Breaking Down the Bottlenecks

The idea focuses on solving three core challenges in SAF production. First, feedstock innovation could explore non-food sources like agricultural residues, algae, or synthetic alternatives (e.g., CO2 and hydrogen) to avoid competition with food crops. Second, production efficiency could be improved by advancing technologies like hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) or power-to-liquid (PtL) methods. Third, supply chain optimization might involve building infrastructure for feedstock collection and distribution to major aviation hubs. Policy incentives, such as subsidies or blending mandates, could further accelerate adoption.

Stakeholders and Incentives

This approach benefits multiple stakeholders:

• Airlines: Gain a cost-competitive way to meet emissions targets without raising ticket prices.
• Fuel Producers: Could secure long-term contracts with airlines and benefit from carbon credits.
• Farmers: May earn additional income by supplying agricultural waste or energy crops.
• Governments: Could achieve climate goals while fostering green job growth.

For airlines, the incentive lies in regulatory compliance and sustainability branding, while farmers benefit from diversified revenue streams. Policymakers may support the initiative to meet emissions targets and stimulate economic activity.

Execution and Competitive Edge

A possible execution strategy could start with a pilot project using an underutilized feedstock, like forestry residues, and partner with a regional airline to test feasibility. Scaling up would involve securing feedstock suppliers and refining partnerships while advocating for supportive policies. Compared to existing solutions—such as Neste’s waste-oil-based SAF or LanzaJet’s crop-derived ethanol—this idea could stand out by diversifying feedstocks and combining bio-based and synthetic production methods. A hybrid approach might balance scalability and cost better than standalone technologies.

By addressing feedstock diversity, production efficiency, and policy frameworks, this approach could help SAF transition from a niche solution to a scalable, sustainable alternative for aviation fuel.