The UK government has officially announced its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate, setting a legally binding target for 10% of all jet fuel used on UK flights to come from sustainable sources by 2030. Set to take effect in January 2025, pending parliamentary approval, the mandate places the UK among the first countries in the world to enshrine SAF usage in law.

The move follows the successful launch of the world’s first 100% SAF-powered transatlantic flight from Heathrow in November 2023, backed by up to £1 million in government funding. Now, the government aims to supply 1.2 million tonnes of SAF annually—enough to fuel flights circling the globe 3,000 times.

Beyond reducing emissions, the SAF mandate is expected to add over £1.8 billion to the UK economy and create 10,000 skilled jobs across the country. Recent investment through the £135 million Advanced Fuels Fund is already supporting 13 pioneering SAF projects nationwide.

While SAF currently costs more than traditional jet fuel, the government is taking steps to protect consumers from price hikes. A built-in review mechanism and price control measures will allow adjustments in response to supply shortages or cost fluctuations, ensuring ticket fares remain within typical seasonal ranges.

As part of its broader net zero strategy, the government also launched a consultation into a SAF revenue certainty scheme, proposing a Guaranteed Strike Price (GSP) model. This would give SAF producers pricing stability and incentivize further investment.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized that SAF is critical for safeguarding British aviation, protecting jobs, and allowing passengers to continue flying sustainably. SAF can cut lifecycle emissions by up to 70% and is made from waste materials like used cooking oil, industrial gases, and household waste.

This policy marks a significant step toward decarbonizing UK aviation without limiting travel demand.