Don’t wait for someone else to solve the problem
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Today, only 0.2 percent of global aviation fuel is sustainable. At the same time, production needs to scale up to 400 million tons by 2050 if the industry is to meet its climate targets. This was the message highlighted by Oskar Almén from PA Consulting during the Travel News and SRF seminar on the future of aviation.
“There are clear ambitions, but far too few shared guidelines on how to get there,” said Almén.
PA Consulting interviewed 567 stakeholders across the global aviation industry, revealing a fragmented picture. Only 8 percent expressed clear optimism about the transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), while 40 percent believe broader availability won’t be achieved until after 2033.
Cost remains a key challenge. Producers estimate that SAF could be up to 148 percent more expensive than current fossil fuel alternatives, while airlines expect a price increase of around 100 percent.
“We need to find alternative ways to reduce costs. But even more important is securing supply – ensuring there is enough fuel available in the right locations,” Almén emphasised.
He pointed out that the industry is currently characterised by fragmented initiatives and national regulations, which are slowing progress.
Too few organisations are working on this issue globally. Most efforts today are siloed, with different ambitions in each country. We need to create conditions for long-term, global regulations. Only then will international investors be willing to commit.”
Almén urged aviation stakeholders to take the initiative rather than wait for political decisions.
Don’t wait for someone else to solve the problem. Right now, there isn’t enough market momentum, and investors are more focused on AI than on sustainable aviation fuel.”
For the transition to succeed, collaboration is needed between five key players: airports, airlines, producers, governments, and investors.
“Everyone must define their role. Airports need to communicate why they are critical to the transition, airlines must take a clear position, and governments must establish stable, long-term regulations. Only then can aviation truly become sustainable,” Almén concluded.
Read the article in Swedish in Travel News.
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