European airlines appear to have met -and exceeded- the 2% target for the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in 2025, according to industry sources.
This development is considered an important step for the aviation sector, which is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint.
The 2% target was set by the European Union as part of its strategy to cut carbon emissions and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Regulations require airlines to gradually incorporate a higher share of sustainable fuels into their overall energy mix, with the ultimate goal of achieving a green transition in the sector.
According to sources familiar with the data, the implementation of these regulations progressed faster than expected, leading the sector not only to approach but possibly exceed the 2% threshold. The increase in SAF use in 2025 is attributed both to regulatory pressure and to improved fuel availability in the European market.
In 2024, the share of sustainable aviation fuel stood at just 0.6%, highlighting the significant progress achieved within a short period of time.
Despite the positive outlook, SAF remains more expensive and less widely available than conventional fuels. This continues to be a major challenge for airlines, as broader adoption depends on increasing production and reducing costs in the future.
