turbulent skies
SAF can sharply cut aviation emissions. But as EU rules force its use, African carriers fear a costly shift that could turn climate policy into a new barrier to competition.

Costly and still scarce, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has nevertheless become the main route to decarbonising air travel. Since January 2025, suppliers operating in the European Union have had to include at least 2% SAF in fuel delivered to European airports. Under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, that threshold will rise to 6% in 2030, 20% in 2035 and 70% in 2050.

