Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a next-generation aviation turbine fuel developed to significantly reduce the environmental impact of air transport while maintaining full compatibility with existing aircraft, engines, and fueling infrastructure.
SAF is chemically similar to conventional jet fuel but is produced from renewable, waste-based, or synthetic low-carbon sources, enabling substantial greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions over its lifecycle.
Key Characteristics of SAF
Significant Lifecycle Carbon Reduction
Lifecycle CO₂ reduction of approximately 70%–90% depending on feedstock and production pathway
Carbon neutrality achieved through biogenic carbon recycling or captured CO₂ utilization
Drop-In Fuel Compatibility
Fully compatible with Jet A and Jet A-1
No aircraft, engine, or infrastructure modification required
Certified under ASTM D7566 and blended up to 50% with conventional jet fuel
Equivalent Energy & Performance
Comparable energy density to fossil jet fuel
No impact on aircraft range, payload, or fuel efficiency
Cleaner Combustion
Lower sulfur and aromatic content
Reduced soot, particulate matter, and contrail formation
Improved local air quality near airports
SAF Production Pathways
HEFA-SAF (Hydroprocessed Esters & Fatty Acids)
Feedstocks: Used cooking oil, animal fats, waste greases
Most mature and commercially deployed SAF pathway
Fischer–Tropsch SAF (FT-SAF)
Feedstocks: Biomass, forestry waste, municipal solid waste
Produces ultra-clean jet fuel with very high CO₂ reduction
Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ-SAF)
Feedstocks: Ethanol and isobutanol
Utilizes existing bio-alcohol infrastructure
Power-to-Liquid (PtL / e-SAF)
Feedstocks: Captured CO₂ and green hydrogen
Near-zero lifecycle emissions and unlimited scalability
Typical Physical & Chemical Properties
| Property | SAF (Typical) | Conventional Jet Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Kerosene-range hydrocarbons | Kerosene |
| Sulfur Content | Near zero | Up to 0.30% |
| Aromatics | Lower | Higher |
| Flash Point | ≥ 38°C | ≥ 38°C |
| Freezing Point | ≤ –47°C | ≤ –47°C |
| Energy Content | Comparable | Comparable |
| Smoke Point | Higher | Lower |
Environmental & Operational Benefits
Major reduction in aviation’s carbon footprint
Lower particulate and soot emissions
Cleaner engines and longer component life
Supports global net-zero aviation targets and ICAO CORSIA compliance
Applications
Commercial Aviation:
Passenger airlines, cargo carriers, business aviation
Military & Government:
Transport aircraft, tactical aviation, defense fleets
Aviation Infrastructure:
Airport fueling systems and blended jet fuel supply chains
Standards & Certification
ASTM D7566 – SAF Production & Blending Standard
ASTM D1655 – Once blended, fuel becomes conventional jet fuel
ICAO CORSIA Sustainability Criteria
EU ReFuelEU Aviation Mandate
FAA & EASA Approvals