Sustainable Jet Fuel for a Better Future

Global warming and climate change are issues of concern in every country worldwide. This has urged governments and international organizations to act against these dangers. Setting sustainability strategies in almost every industry was the most appealing solution. This applies to the aviation sector as well, which also needs a solid sustainable aviation plan.

In this article, iJET will analyze why is it important for aviation to have an effective sustainability strategy, how the sector can contribute to this global cause, and what are the key elements that contribute to achieving a sustainable future for the aviation sector.

What Is the Importance of Sustainable Aviation?

It has been a necessity to find an eco-friendly aviation plan to save the planet from disastrous consequences. This became important because commercial flights were responsible for around 2-3% of the global carbon emission, according to IATA.

Many environmentalists suggested that stopping flights or heavily reducing them is the solution. However, this would have severe effects on individuals, businesses, and worldwide economies. So, this solution is not the answer. Instead, it was wiser to find a way to reduce airplanes’ carbon emissions since CO2 is the main cause of climate change and environmental destruction.

The good news is: This strategy of sustainable aviation was already founded by IATA in 2009!

What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

Sustainable aviation fuel, also known as SAF, is the most effective type of environment-friendly fuel. It is a sustainable alternative to the regular types of jet fuel. Sustainable jet fuel could be made from almost any wasted material, like:

• Plants, for example, Halophytes, which is a type of plant that grows in salt water.
• Used cooking oil.
• Solid waste, like grass, tree branches, and used clothes.
• Food waste and non-recyclable bottles.

One of the ultimate benefits of sustainable jet fuel is that it reduces the life cycle emission of CO2 by up to 80%.

Until today, more than 250,000 flights were operated using sustainable jet fuel, according to IATA.

The essential need for sustainable jet fuel has been acknowledged by all the international aviation organizations, such as IATA & ICAO. We at iJET– also look forward to reaching a world where sustainable jet fuel dominates the sector.

How much carbon does it save?

Depending on the sustainable feedstock utilized, production process, and supply chain to the airport, SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% during the lifespan of the fuel compared to the traditional jet fuel it replaces.

Is it completely risk-free and why should you use it?

SAF may be mixed up to 50% with standard jet fuel and undergoes the same quality testing as traditional jet fuel. After then, the mix is recertified as Jet A or Jet A-1. It can be handled in the same manner as standard jet fuel is, thus no changes to the fueling infrastructure or aircraft that desire to utilize SAF are necessary.

The aviation industry is currently producing approximately 2% of global man-made carbon emissions which is equivalent to 781 million tons of carbon dioxide. With SAF this number can be reduced significantly. SAF is a carbon-neutral and sustainably produced jet fuel. Compared to fossil fuels, it helps reduce up to 80% less carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions across its lifecycle.

Is Sustainable Jet Fuel (SAF) Appropriate for All Aircraft Types?

Sustainable aviation fuel is not only effective in reducing aviation impact on climate change, but it could also be used without the need for any modification on airplanes or engines, there is no need to produce alternative fuel aircraft with different specifications, nor to generate new fuel delivery methods.

How is (SAF) different from other fuels?

SAF has far fewer impurities, like Sulphur. This permits an even greater reduction in Sulphur dioxide (SO2).  SO2 combines with other compounds in the atmosphere and contributes to particulate matter emissions. This has serious effects on your lungs and leads to grave health problems. In addition to this, it is harmful to our ecosystem and contributes to acid rain too.

Will the performance of the aircraft be affected?

One of the major requirements for SAF is to meet or exceed current jet fuel specifications. It should be able to substitute conventional jet fuel for aviation with no requirement for different airframes, engines, or logistical infrastructure.

Where can you find SAF?

Currently, SAF is available at Oslo, Los Angeles, Stockholm, and Bergen airports. Brisbane and Geneva’s airports have announced they will join them by next year. Alternatively, you can contact iJET, a provider of SAF, who is committed to offering services with a better impact on the environment.

Is Sustainable Jet Fuel More Expensive than Regular Fuel?

In the current stage of developing and publicizing sustainable aviation fuel, it is now more expensive than traditional fuel due to the ongoing production process of the required technologies. However, when the industry completes its research and receives full support from international governments, sustainable aviation fuel will become less costly and flight operators will depend on it more. Fortunately, even at this phase, a lot of airlines and their passengers prefer to pay more for sustainable aviation fuel when they know how beneficial it is for the environment.

In fact, the aviation sector has already started to witness strict actions to reduce waste and achieve sustainable aviation inflight catering. For example, 1300 tons of single-use plastic were eliminated from the flights of Air France. On the other hand, Etihad airlines asserted that it would reduce the usage of single-use plastic to 80% by 2022. In addition to many more similar pledges that promise a flourishing future regarding sustainable aviation fuel.

At the current time, it is the duty of airlines, flight operators, and aviation stakeholders to use sustainable jet fuel and support its utility until governments collaborate to issue international regulations to globalize sustainable aviation fuel.

iJET invites and supports all aircraft operators to take their role in protecting the environment by utilizing sustainable aviation fuel and learning more about our services.