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Sustainable aviation fuel: A key solution for decarbonising air cargo
The aviation industry has long been a cornerstone of global trade and connectivity. However, it is also a significant contributor to global carbon emissions. In 2023, aviation accounted for 950 Mt CO2 emissions, almost 2.5% of the global energy-related emissions. With the rise of e-commerce and international logistics, the aviation industry is under increasing pressure to adopt low-carbon aviation solutions.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) member airlines have set an ambitious goal to achieve Net-Zero Emissions by 2050; however, the road to achieving decarbonisation is far from easy. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is emerging as a leading solution, capable of significantly reducing emissions while ensuring operational efficiency. However, its widespread adoption faces numerous hurdles, from supply constraints to high costs.
Hurdles in decarbonising air cargo
Reducing emissions in air freight is far more complex than in other transport sectors. The key challenges to achieving low-carbon aviation include:
Technological barriers to decarbonisation
While electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft are gaining traction, their feasibility is limited to short-haul regional flights. In long-haul aviation, zero-carbon aircraft face significant technological limitations, including battery weight, energy density, and range constraints. Moreover, most commercial aircraft have a lifespan of several decades, making immediate fleet replacement unrealistic. This prolonged dependency on traditional jet fuels reinforces the urgent need for green aviation fuel alternatives.
Infrastructure and supply chain challenges
The fuel infrastructure of the aviation industry revolved around conventional jet fuels. Transitioning to sustainable aviation fuel will require significant investment in production facilities, distribution networks, and regulatory frameworks. The limited supply of raw materials – like waste oils, agricultural residues, and synthetic feedstocks – can also create supply chain bottlenecks.
Economic and regulatory hurdles
The high cost of SAF is another major barrier to adoption. Currently, green aviation fuel can be anywhere between three to eight times more expensive than traditional jet fuel. While regulatory incentives are beginning to emerge and production is amping up, widespread adoption will depend on government support, policy interventions, and subsidies that make SAF commercially viable for airlines and logistics providers.
Understanding Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The aviation industry cannot afford to wait for zero-emission aircraft to become viable. Green aviation fuel is the most immediate and scalable solution that can drive low-carbon aviation while leveraging existing aircraft and infrastructure. Sustainable aviation fuel is a low-carbon aviation alternative to fossil fuels, which uses renewable resources like used cooking oils, agricultural waste, and synthetic processes.
Unlike conventional jet fuel, SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80%. Companies investing in SAF can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also future proof their operations against tightening environmental regulations. As a result, many global airlines and logistics companies have already started integrating green aviation fuel into their operations. However, government incentives, industry collaboration, and technological advancements will be necessary to scale production and reduce costs.
Catalysing shift to green aviation fuel
Overcoming hurdles in decarbonising will depend on several factors. The key catalysts that can accelerate the transition to green aviation fuel include:
Government policies and producer incentives
Government authorities will play a crucial role in scaling up SAF production. Incentives like tax credits, subsidies, and regulatory mandates can help producers expand their capacity, making green aviation fuel more accessible and affordable for airlines.
Subsidies for airlines and logistics providers
Policymakers can also provide financial support for early adopters to encourage sustainable aviation fuel use. This can help offset the high costs associated with SAF and make it more viable for airlines and logistics providers.
Innovation in synthetic fuels
Advancements in synthetic aviation fuel – relying on clean hydrogen and captured CO2 for production – could be a revolutionary innovation. Unlike bio-based SAF, these do not rely on limited biomass resources, making them a more scalable solution for long-term low-carbon aviation.
With comprehensive airline cargo business process management solutions, Infosys BPM supports the stakeholders in achieving low-carbon aviation through data-driven decision-making and digital transformation. By leveraging AI-powered analytics, automation, and space optimisation, Infosys BPM enables airlines to enhance efficiency while reducing their carbon footprint.
Achieving low-carbon aviation is a pressing yet complex challenge. Sustainable Aviation Fuel offers a viable and immediate solution to overcome this challenge and achieve the goal of Net-Zero Emissions by 2050. While there are many hurdles to green aviation fuel adoption, technology advancements, policy interventions, and industry collaboration are steadily paving the way for a more sustainable future.
