Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Powering the Future of Responsible Tourism

By Elizabeth FosterLast Updated September 12, 2025

Photo by Vlad Kutepov on Unsplash

Introduction: The Urgency for Sustainable Solutions in Tourism

Tourism connects people and cultures, but its reliance on aviation poses a significant environmental challenge. As global travel rebounds and expands, the sector must address its carbon footprint-particularly from air travel, which contributes approximately 2% of total global CO ₂ emissions. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has emerged as a critical solution, offering a viable pathway to decarbonize aviation and secure tourism’s future in a carbon-constrained world [5] .

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?

SAF refers to non-petroleum-based fuels produced from renewable resources, such as agricultural waste, biomass, used cooking oil, and even municipal solid waste. Unlike conventional jet fuel, SAF can reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%, depending on feedstock and production process [1] . Importantly, SAF is considered a ‘drop-in’ solution-meaning it can be blended with traditional jet fuel (typically up to 50%) and used in existing aircraft without modifications [2] .

The Importance of SAF for Tourism

Aviation is the backbone of international tourism. Millions of travelers depend on air connectivity for business, leisure, and cultural exchange. However, increasing scrutiny of aviation’s environmental impact is pushing destinations and the travel industry to find sustainable options. SAF offers several advantages:

Emissions Reduction: SAF can cut aviation GHG emissions by up to 80% over its life cycle, providing a realistic means to achieve net-zero targets by 2050 [5] .
Economic Opportunities: SAF production supports rural economies by creating demand for agricultural waste and non-food crops, generating jobs and income [3] .
Improved Air Quality: SAF emits fewer pollutants such as sulphur oxides, benefiting communities near airports and popular tourist destinations [1] .
Reputation and Climate Leadership: Destinations and travel brands adopting SAF can demonstrate climate responsibility, attracting eco-conscious travelers and meeting evolving regulatory requirements [2] .

How SAF Works: From Waste to Wings

The production of SAF involves converting raw materials like agricultural waste, used cooking oil, or even landfill-diverted organics into jet fuel through advanced chemical processes. For example, food waste that would otherwise emit methane in landfills can be transformed into energy-dense SAF, reducing total greenhouse gases by more than 100% in some cases when avoided landfill emissions are factored in [4] .

Existing aircraft can use SAF as long as it is blended with conventional jet fuel. This means airlines do not need to overhaul their fleets or infrastructure-a major advantage for rapid adoption [3] .

Real-World Examples and Case Studies

Over 360,000 commercial flights have already used SAF blends, primarily at major airports in the United States and Europe [1] . Airlines such as United, KLM, and British Airways are investing in SAF procurement and pilot programs. Some destinations, like California and Scandinavia, are emerging as leaders in SAF adoption due to progressive policies and incentives [5] .

Accessing SAF: Steps for Destinations, Businesses, and Travelers

Adopting SAF in tourism involves coordinated action by governments, airlines, airports, tourism boards, and travelers. Here’s how different stakeholders can participate:

For Destinations and Tourism Authorities

Consider the following steps to foster SAF adoption and enhance your destination’s sustainability profile:

Collaborate with airlines and airports to pilot SAF refueling programs.
Engage with national and regional governments to promote SAF incentives, such as tax credits or grants.
Encourage local agricultural producers to participate in SAF feedstock supply chains.
Promote your destination’s climate leadership in marketing materials and industry events.

For Tourism Businesses (Hotels, Tour Operators, etc.)

Tourism operators can play an important role by:

Partnering with airlines that use SAF or offer travelers the option to purchase SAF credits.
Educating guests about the environmental benefits of SAF and integrating sustainable travel messaging into booking flows.
Working with local governments and industry associations to advocate for SAF investment and infrastructure.

For Travelers

Travelers can support the transition by:

Choosing airlines and booking options that prioritize SAF use.
Purchasing SAF credits or carbon offsets through reputable programs.
Advocating for sustainable tourism practices by providing feedback to airlines, travel agencies, and destinations.
Researching current SAF initiatives through airline websites or official tourism boards when planning trips.

If you are unsure how to find flights using SAF, search for “sustainable aviation fuel flights” on major airline websites or consult your travel agent for options. Major carriers often publicize their sustainability initiatives and SAF partnerships on their official pages.

Challenges and Solutions

Despite its promise, SAF adoption faces several hurdles:

Limited Supply: Currently, SAF accounts for less than 0.1% of global jet fuel consumption [6] . Scaling production requires significant investment and long-term policy support.
Higher Costs: SAF is more expensive than conventional jet fuel due to feedstock and processing costs. However, as demand grows and technologies mature, prices are expected to decrease [1] .
Infrastructure: Most airports are not yet equipped for large-scale SAF distribution. Collaboration between industry, government, and logistics providers is essential to build capacity.

To overcome these challenges, experts recommend a combination of government incentives, industry collaboration, and consumer education. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) advocates for evidence-based management and a six-step call to action for destinations, including investment in SAF, policy alignment, and stakeholder engagement [2] .

Alternative and Complementary Approaches

While SAF is a cornerstone of sustainable aviation, it should be part of a broader strategy. Destinations and travelers can further reduce aviation’s footprint by:

Encouraging the use of direct flights to minimize emissions per passenger-kilometer.
Investing in sustainable ground transportation and eco-certified accommodations.
Supporting research into zero-emission aircraft technologies and advanced carbon capture methods.
Promoting responsible travel choices, such as traveling less frequently but staying longer.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

SAF represents a transformative opportunity for tourism to decouple growth from emissions. Its successful adoption will depend on coordinated action, continued investment, and informed travelers. For those seeking to support SAF initiatives or learn more:

Visit the official websites of major airlines for current SAF programs and booking options.
Consult tourism boards or industry associations for updates on SAF availability at key destinations.
Engage with reputable organizations such as the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) for resources and advocacy tools.
If you work in the travel industry, consider joining partnerships or coalitions focused on scaling SAF, such as the Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative referenced by the World Economic Forum [6] .