Press Release Published, 25 April 2024: Department for Transport and The Rt Hon Mark Harper MP
The UK Government’s announced a new aviation fuel plan to boost British aviation growth. Measures announced to give UK aviation and the SAF industry the certainty to keep creating skilled British jobs while ensuring air travel is fit for the future.
This is part of the government’s plan to deliver on our net zero commitments while ensuring we take a pragmatic and proportionate approach, which minimises unnecessary burdens on the public.
Key Points:
- plans unveiled for world leading sustainable aviation fuel mandate, with 10% of all jet fuel set to go green by 2030
- SAF industry estimated to boost the economy by £1.8 billion and create more than 10,000 jobs across the UK by 2030
- forms part of UK’s world-leading commitment to cut emissions while minimising impact on consumers
This government is fiercely proud of the success of Britain’s aviation industry – and is committed to ensuring it continues to grow and succeed in future. Decarbonisation is critical to that future, and today (25 April 2024) we are setting out another key step in delivering that by publishing the full policy detail of a world leading sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate, which will deliver 10% of all jet fuel in flights taking off from the UK from sustainable sources by 2030 and 22% by 2040.
It will be one of the first in the world to be put into law, and, subject to Parliamentary approval, will be implemented from 1 January 2025, once again putting the UK at the forefront of decarbonising air travel. We are also today launching a consultation on an industry-funded revenue certainty mechanism to support investment in the UK’s SAF production industry.
Today’s announcements are good for aviation, the environment and for the UK overall with the SAF industry estimated to add over £1.8 billion to the economy and create over 10,000 jobs across the country. The SAF mandate will drive demand for SAF in the UK, secure emission reductions and provide investor confidence. A revenue certainty mechanism will also incentivise investment in UK SAF production, helping to drive growth across the UK, secure the supply of British-made SAF and maintain the UK’s position as a global leader.
UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:
“As part of our plan to grow the economy, the measures announced today will give both UK aviation and the UK SAF industry the certainty they need to keep creating skilled British jobs while giving passengers the freedom to continue travelling by air in a way that’s fit for the future.”
