European airlines are preparing to challenge EU rules requiring the use of synthetic sustainable aviation fuel from 2030 and plan to urge a delay or repeal of the mandate due to concerns over high costs and scarce supply. The move would target EU rules requiring airlines to use a certain amount of synthetic green jet fuel, or eSAF, from that year, with an industry announcement set for Thursday. Airlines say there's little available supply of synthetic jet fuel and that planned production facilities are unlikely to come online in time to meet the mandate. Most SAF on the market is made from used cooking oil or animal waste, costs three to five times more than traditional jet fuel and makes up just 0.3% of global jet fuel supply. Synthetic sustainable jet fuel is made from renewable energy such as captured carbon dioxide or green hydrogen.

Source: Irish Examiner March 17, 2026 14:54 UTC