Aviation accounts for approximately 2-3% of global CO2 emissions, a figure projected to triple by 2050 without intervention making it a key sector for decarbonisation.

As businesses around the world accelerate their sustainability commitments, many global organisations – particularly those with international operations where aviation and corporate travel remain essential for connectivity – are turning to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as a critical pathway to reduce their carbon footprint.

While emerging technologies such as hydrogen and electric aircraft hold long-term promise, SAF is currently the most viable and scalable option for reducing aviation emissions.

Made from 100% renewable waste and residue materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste, SAF can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle compared to fossil jet fuel. Crucially, it’s a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be used in existing aircrafts without requiring any modifications to current infrastructure.

This year, the UK has made strides in supporting SAF adoption, becoming one of the first countries to implement a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Mandate.

Rachel Reeves’ Heathrow Expansion announcement further reinforced this momentum, highlighting a commitment to increasing investment in SAF production. However, widespread adoption remains slow, with SAF still accounting for less than 1% of total aviation fuel usage globally

So, what’s holding businesses back? To help companies integrate SAF investment into their ESG strategies, it’s crucial to address some of the most common misconceptions about SAF and its role in reducing emissions.

MYTH: SAF is difficult to understand

Many businesses still struggle to understand the role SAF plays in decarbonisation, but the concept is actually quite simple.

While carbon offsetting addresses the impact of GHG emissions – typically by compensating for emissions through carbon credits – investment in SAF results in a direct reduction of CO2e.It is based on simple mathematics. For every tonne-equivalent of SAF purchased, a tonne less fossil fuel (and its associated emissions) is required.

Therefore, for businesses that cannot easily avoid or reduce their air travel, SAF should be a key component in their Scope 3 sustainability strategy.

MYTH: It is not businesses’ responsibility to decarbonise aviation

It is easy for business leaders to assume that decarbonising the aviation industry is solely the responsibility of airlines or governments. However, this mindset overlooks the fact that businesses are among the largest consumers of air travel, especially when it comes to corporate mobility, international meetings and global supply chains. As key drivers of demand, businesses share responsibility – and a powerful opportunity – to accelerate the aviation industry’s widespread adoption of SAF.

Corporate buyers can play a pivotal role in this transition by incorporating SAF into their travel programmes. This can include setting concreate emissions reduction targets to track and reduce the impact of business travel, integrating SAF into travel programmes for immediate and credible emissions reductions, and use carbon measurement tools to monitor travel activity and inform sustainability decisions.

What’s more, corporate travel policies can align SAF procurement alongside other sustainability initiatives, such as optimising travel schedules, reducing unnecessary trips and investing in verified offset programmes to address residual unavoidable emissions.

MYTH: It is difficult to identify credible SAF sources

Identifying a credible SAF provider is critical as it ensures the product is made from 100% waste materials, such as used cooking oils and animal fats.

Fortunately, credible purchases are always registered under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). This certification guarantees transparency, ensuring no green-washing or double-dipping of who is claiming CO2e reductions. Plus, this registry entry and certification process provides a clear audit trail ensuring businesses know the source is legitimate.

Additionally, many credible suppliers offer “Book & Claim” investment options, making SAF accessible to businesses regardless of their physical flight path. Businesses can benefit from their SAF investment, without creating a heavier emissions footprint by requiring SAF to be provided to their specific flight locations.

MYTH: SAF supply is low, so it’s not worth investing

While it is true that SAF isn’t available at the scale needed to fuel the entire aviation industry, there is enough to support a significant increase in current uptake. Today, SAF makes up only a small fraction of the global aviation fuel mix, highlighting not a limitation, but a clear opportunity for growth.

As with most emerging products, demand drives price. If businesses hold back on investment due to concerns about supply, producers will have less incentive to scale up. But when demand increases, it sends a strong signal to the market. The quicker corporates, airlines and governments commit to SAF, the sooner we’ll see production expand and prices begin to fall.

In short, supply may be limited for now but it is more than enough to get started, and the sooner we act, the faster the industry evolves.

MYTH: SAF is too expensive for my business

Yes, SAF requires investment and it is something that needs to be budgeted for. However a good Travel Management Company (TMC), can help businesses understand exactly how much SAF is needed to reduce their Scope 3 aviation emissions by a specific percentage. This insight provides the foundation for cost modelling, which in turn can be integrated into a travel programme.

There are many flexible ways to incorporate SAF costs, from carbon pricing to internal recharges based on departmental emissions. While reducing 10% of aviation emissions may seem costly upfront, spreading the cost at the point of sale can make it much more manageable.

And as with any emerging solution, increasing demand will help reduce costs. The more businesses that invest now, the sooner we will see SAF become more economically viable at scale.

Investing in SAF isn’t just a commitment to sustainability – it’s a commitment to strengthening your business and making a strategic move for long-term impact. By taking action now, companies can drive meaningful change and help shape a lower-carbon, secure future for aviation.

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