UK airlines respond to SAF mandate publication

April 25th, 2024

Commenting on the details of the UK SAF mandate published today by Government, Tim Alderslade, CEO of Airlines UK, the industry body representing UK-registered carriers, said:

“UK airlines support a SAF mandate as a vital step towards the net-zero transition as SAF will be one of the important technologies to achieve aviation’s net zero commitments. However, it is vital that Government now puts the right measures in place to incentivise production and reduce the cost of SAF as seen in the EU and US, as quickly as possible. Without these, the UK will be at a competitive disadvantage with consumers at risk of higher fares. 

 “We welcome the delay to and subsequent increase in the cap on HEFA-based SAF to allow producers time to scale-up more advanced fuels, but the Government must keep the buy-out price under regular review to avoid disproportionate price increases for consumers.

 “Ministers must also introduce legislation for a revenue certainty mechanism in the next Kings Speech to drive investment in UK SAF production and increase supply. Only then can we keep UK aviation competitive as we decarbonise.”