Sustainable Aviation
Airbus Presents Multi-Lever Strategy for Aviation Emissions at Dubai Airshow
Airbus demonstrates a combined approach using fleet renewal, SAF, Book and Claim, and carbon removals to reduce aviation emissions by 2050.
The global aviation industry is at a critical juncture. With a firm commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the pressure is on for industry leaders to move beyond ambition and demonstrate tangible progress. The Dubai Airshow 2025, themed “The Future is Here,” serves as a pivotal stage for this showcase, emphasizing sustainability and collaborative solutions. In this high-stakes environment, simply talking about future technologies is no longer enough; the industry and the public demand practical, scalable solutions that can be implemented today while paving the way for the innovations of tomorrow.
Stepping up to this challenge, Airbus is using the event to demonstrate a clear and pragmatic decarbonization strategy. The core of their message is that there is no single “silver bullet” solution. Instead, a multi-layered approach combining several complementary levers is essential to bridge the emissions gap. To bring this concept to life, Airbus orchestrated a single flight of an A350-1000 from Toulouse, France, to Dubai, integrating four key decarbonization strategies: fleet renewal, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), a “Book and Claim” system for SAF, and the use of Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDR) to address residual emissions.
This demonstration is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a real-world application of a comprehensive roadmap. It highlights how different technologies and methodologies can work in concert to systematically reduce the carbon footprint of a flight. By showcasing these levers together, Airbus aims to illustrate a viable pathway for the entire industry, emphasizing that progress depends on a portfolio of solutions, each playing a distinct but crucial role in the journey toward sustainable aviation.
The most immediate and foundational steps toward decarbonization involve the aircraft themselves and the fuel that powers them. These are not futuristic concepts but available, impactful measures that can yield significant emissions reductions in the near term. Airbus’s strategy heavily emphasizes the combined power of replacing older aircraft with modern, efficient models and accelerating the adoption of sustainable fuels.
The simplest way to reduce fuel burn is to fly more efficient aircraft. Modern planes, like the Airbus A350-1000 showcased on the flight to Dubai, consume approximately 25% less fuel and produce correspondingly fewer CO2 emissions compared to the previous generation of aircraft. This leap in efficiency is a cornerstone of the industry’s short-term climate goals. While effective, the pace of fleet renewal presents a significant challenge, as it requires substantial investment and time.
Currently, only about 30% of the world’s in-service fleet consists of the latest-generation aircraft. However, the demand for these new models is robust, driven by both environmental pressures and economic sense, as lower fuel consumption translates directly to reduced operating costs. Airbus’s 2025 Global Market Forecast projects that the global fleet will nearly double by 2044, with a significant portion of new deliveries, around 44%, intended to replace older, less efficient planes. This is reflected in strong market performance, with single-aisle aircraft like the A220 and A320neo families dominating orders.
The strong demand is evident in Airbus’s order books. In 2024 alone, the company delivered 766 commercial aircraft and maintained a year-end backlog of 8,658 aircraft. This signals a clear industry trend toward modernization, making fleet renewal a powerful and ongoing lever for decarbonization.
While efficient aircraft reduce the amount of fuel needed, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) addresses the carbon footprint of the fuel itself. Considered the most critical lever for decarbonization, SAF has the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. The Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) estimates that SAF could account for between 53% and 71% of the emissions reductions required to reach the 2050 net-zero target. Airbus is actively working to accelerate the adoption of SAF across the industry. All its current aircraft are certified to fly with a 50% SAF blend, and the company is committed to achieving 100% SAF capability by 2030. The demonstration flight to the Dubai Airshow utilized a 35% blend of physical SAF, showcasing its viability in regular operations. To further this goal, Airbus has made strategic investments in the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Financing Alliance (SAFFA) and SAF producer LanzaJet.
Collaboration is key to scaling up SAF production and use. Airbus has established numerous partnerships to advance this goal, including trials with airlines like easyJet and WizzAir, a long-standing supply relationship with TotalEnergies, and a research agreement with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) in India to explore producing SAF from municipal solid waste. These initiatives are crucial for building a global SAF ecosystem.
Tackling aviation’s carbon footprint requires looking beyond the physical aircraft and its fuel. Airbus is also championing innovative logistical and technological systems designed to accelerate SAF adoption and address the emissions that cannot be eliminated through other means. These forward-thinking mechanisms are crucial for closing the final gaps on the path to net-zero.
One of the major hurdles to widespread SAF adoption is logistics. SAF is currently produced in limited quantities at specific locations, making it expensive and difficult for many airlines to access directly. The “Book and Claim” (B&C) system offers a pragmatic solution to this problem. It works by decoupling the environmental benefits of SAF from its physical use. An airline can purchase a specific quantity of SAF, “claim” the associated carbon reduction credits, and have the physical fuel dispensed to an aircraft at an airport where it is readily available, even if it’s not their own.
This system effectively creates a global market for SAF’s environmental attributes, channeling investment toward producers and scaling up supply without being constrained by physical supply chains. Airbus has launched a pilot program for a B&C system, acting as a facilitator by purchasing SAF certificates and managing them through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) registry. Key partners in this initiative include SMBC Aviation Capital, AerCap, and Luxaviation, among others.
A critical next step is gaining regulatory acceptance. Airbus is actively advocating for the recognition of the Book and Claim system within major regulatory frameworks, such as the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive and the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Official recognition would significantly accelerate SAF adoption globally.
“Supporting the SAF Book and Claim mechanism is an immediate solution contributing to the emergence and scale-up of the global SAF market.” – Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Dioxide Removal at Airbus.
Even with maximum fleet renewal and 100% SAF usage, the industry anticipates some residual emissions will remain. To achieve true net-zero, these emissions must be removed from the atmosphere. This is where Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies come in. For its Dubai Airshow flight, Airbus neutralized the remaining emissions by purchasing CDR units generated from reforestation projects in Mexico.
Looking toward more permanent, technology-based solutions, Airbus is focusing on Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS). This technology uses large-scale facilities to filter CO2 directly from the ambient air, which is then permanently stored in deep underground geological reservoirs. It is a durable and verifiable method for removing carbon that has already been emitted. To advance this technology, Airbus has formed a landmark partnership with 1PointFive, a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum. Through this agreement, Airbus has pre-purchased 400,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits to be delivered over a four-year period from 1PointFive’s large-scale DACCS plant currently under development in Texas. This pre-purchase provides a crucial demand signal, helping to finance and scale this nascent but vital technology.
This initiative has already garnered significant interest from major airlines. Air Canada, Air France-KLM, International Airlines Group, Lufthansa Group, and Virgin Atlantic have all signed letters of intent with Airbus to explore the pre-purchase of these carbon removal credits, demonstrating a collective industry commitment to addressing the full lifecycle of emissions.
The demonstration at the Dubai Airshow makes one thing abundantly clear: the journey to decarbonizing aviation is not a linear path but a complex puzzle requiring multiple, interlocking pieces. Airbus’s showcase of four distinct levers, fleet renewal, SAF, Book and Claim, and Carbon Dioxide Removals, underscores the necessity of a pragmatic and diversified strategy. It moves the conversation from a search for a single magic bullet to the implementation of a portfolio of solutions that can deliver results both today and in the decades to come.
Ultimately, achieving the industry’s ambitious 2050 goals will depend on unprecedented collaboration. As shown by Airbus’s extensive network of partners, from airlines and fuel producers to technology startups and investment firms, no single entity can solve this challenge alone. The path forward requires a combination of continued technological innovation, sound economic models that incentivize green investments, and supportive regulatory frameworks that can accelerate the adoption of new solutions. The flight to Dubai is not an endpoint but a milestone, marking a tangible step forward on a long but necessary journey.
Question: What is Airbus’s main message about decarbonizing aviation? Question: What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)? Question: How does the “Book and Claim” system work? Airbus – Showcasing multiple decarbonisation levers at Dubai Airshow
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Aviation’s Green Future
Immediate Impact: Modernizing Fleets and Fuel
Fleet Renewal: The Foundation of Efficiency
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): The Cornerstone of Decarbonization
Beyond the Aircraft: Innovative Systems for a Greener Sky
Book and Claim: Unlocking SAF Accessibility
Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDR): Tackling Residual Emissions
A Multi-Faceted Path to Net-Zero
FAQ
Answer: Airbus’s core message is that there is no single solution to decarbonize aviation. A multi-layered approach is necessary, combining several complementary levers such as fleet renewal, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), innovative systems like “Book and Claim,” and Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDR) to address all aspects of the industry’s carbon footprint.
Answer: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel used to power aircraft that has a smaller carbon footprint than conventional jet fuel. It is produced from sustainable resources like used cooking oil, municipal waste, or non-food crops. It is considered the most critical element for reducing aviation’s emissions in the medium term.
Answer: The “Book and Claim” system allows an airline or company to purchase the environmental benefits of SAF without being physically connected to the supply. They can “book” a quantity of SAF, and “claim” the carbon reduction credits, while the physical fuel is used by an aircraft at an airport where SAF is available. This overcomes logistical barriers and helps scale up the global SAF market.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Sustainable Aviation
Asia-Pacific Aviation Growth and Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiatives 2026
Asia-Pacific aviation growth faces decarbonization challenges with new SAF mandates and Airbus’s just transition strategy at Singapore Airshow 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional industry reporting regarding the Singapore Airshow 2026.
As the aviation industry gathers for the Singapore Airshow 2026, the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region stands as the focal point of global aerospace growth. According to recent industry forecasts, APAC is projected to account for over 50% of global aviation growth between 2025 and 2026. However, this rapid expansion presents a critical challenge: reconciling a forecast 7.3% increase in passenger traffic with urgent decarbonization goals.
In a press release issued on February 2, 2026, Airbus outlined a strategy focused on a “just transition.” The European manufacturer argues that the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Asia-Pacific offers more than just environmental compliance; it presents a pathway for regional socioeconomic development and energy sovereignty.
While the primary driver for SAF adoption globally has been carbon reduction, Airbus emphasizes that for the APAC region, the benefits are deeply tied to local economic resilience. The region possesses abundant feedstock potential, including agricultural residues, used cooking oil, and palm oil waste.
According to the Airbus announcement, utilizing agricultural waste for fuel production addresses multiple local issues simultaneously. In many parts of Asia, the burning of agricultural fields contributes significantly to seasonal air pollution. By converting this biomass into SAF, the region can reduce local smog while creating new revenue streams for rural communities.
Airbus describes this approach as a “just transition,” ensuring that the shift to green energy supports developing economies rather than hindering them. The manufacturer notes that developing local production capabilities also boosts “regional energy sovereignty,” reducing the reliance on imported fossil fuels.
“Given the broad socioeconomic diversity… Asia-Pacific is a prime place to demonstrate the possibilities for a just transition. Leveraging co-benefits could open opportunities to build community resilience.”
, Airbus Press Release, February 2, 2026
Beyond manufacturer initiatives, government policy in the region is hardening. Data released in conjunction with the Singapore Airshow highlights a wave of new mandates and targets aimed at accelerating SAF uptake. Most notably, Singapore has confirmed the introduction of a SAF levy for all flights departing from Changi Airport starting October 1, 2026. This levy is designed to fund a national 1% SAF target by the end of the year, with plans to scale to 3-5% by 2030.
Other regional developments include:
The push for decarbonization is also visible on the tarmac. During the Singapore Airshow, an Airbus A350-1000 is performing flying displays powered by a 35% SAF blend. The fuel, supplied by Shell Aviation, was produced via the HEFA-SPK pathway using used cooking oil and tallow.
In a significant move for propulsion technology, Airbus, CFM International, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on February 2. This agreement establishes Singapore as the world’s first airport testbed for the “RISE” (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program. The initiative aims to test “Open Fan” engine architecture, which targets a 20% improvement in fuel efficiency.
Additionally, Airbus and Cathay Group have reiterated their commitment to a US$70 million joint investment, originally announced in late 2025, to accelerate SAF production projects with commercial viability in the region.
While the regulatory and technological momentum is palpable, a stark reality remains. Industry data indicates that global SAF output reached only 1.9 million tonnes in 2025, representing a mere 0.6% of total jet fuel demand. With APAC passenger traffic expected to grow by 7.3% in 2026, the gap between demand for travel and the supply of green fuel is widening.
The “green premium”, where SAF costs 2x to 4x more than conventional jet fuel, remains the primary hurdle. While the “just transition” narrative provided by Airbus offers a compelling long-term vision for feedstock utilization, the immediate success of these initiatives will depend heavily on whether the new levies and investments can bridge the price gap quickly enough to meet the 2027-2030 mandates.
What is the “Just Transition” in aviation? When does the Singapore SAF levy begin? What is the current global supply of SAF? Sources:
Asia-Pacific Aviation at a Crossroads: Balancing Growth with a “Just Transition”
The Socioeconomic Case for SAF
Turning Waste into Wealth
Regulatory Momentum and National Mandates
Technological Milestones at Singapore Airshow 2026
New Partnerships
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
In this context, it refers to decarbonizing aviation in a way that provides economic benefits to developing nations, such as creating jobs in rural areas by using agricultural waste for fuel production.
The levy applies to all flights departing Singapore starting October 1, 2026.
As of 2025, SAF production accounted for approximately 0.6% of total global jet fuel usage.
Airbus,
IATA,
Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore
Photo Credit: Airbus
Sustainable Aviation
FedEx Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program to DFW and JFK Airports
FedEx expands sustainable aviation fuel use to Dallas-Fort Worth and JFK airports, supporting its carbon-neutral goals with 5 million gallons secured for 2025.
This article is based on an official press release from FedEx.
FedEx has officially expanded its SAF program to include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The logistics giant announced the move on January 29, 2026, marking a significant step in its “Priority Earth” sustainability roadmap. With these additions, FedEx now utilizes SAF at five airports across the United States.
According to the company’s announcement, the expansion is supported by World Fuel Services (WFS), which manages the supply chain and delivery of the fuel. The initiative positions FedEx as the first airline, cargo or passenger, to purchase SAF for regular commercial operations at DFW, a major global logistics hub.
The agreement covers the purchase of approximately 2 million gallons of “neat” (unblended) SAF for these two locations. When combined with agreements for other hubs, FedEx has secured a total of 5 million gallons of neat SAF for delivery throughout 2025.
While the purchasing agreements are calculated in gallons of “neat” SAF, the fuel actually delivered to aircraft is a blend. Safety regulations currently prohibit the use of 100% SAF in commercial aircraft engines. Consequently, the fuel supplied to FedEx at DFW and JFK is a mixture containing a minimum of 30% neat SAF blended with conventional Jet A fuel.
World Fuel Services facilitates this supply, typically sourcing the renewable component from Valero’s Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) joint venture. The SAF is produced via the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) pathway, utilizing waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, animal tallow, and distiller’s corn oil. This production method allows for a lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of up to 80% compared to standard petroleum-based jet fuel.
In a statement regarding the logistical achievement, Bradley Hurwitz, Senior Vice President of Supply & Trading at World Fuel Services, noted:
“FedEx’s purchase at DFW and JFK demonstrates how our aviation fuel distribution platform enables carriers to access lower-carbon fuel options with a robust supply chain designed for flexibility and scale.”
This expansion is part of FedEx’s broader strategy to achieve carbon-neutral global operations by 2040. The company has set an interim target to source 30% of its total jet fuel from alternative fuels by 2030. The addition of DFW and JFK complements existing SAF programs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Miami International Airport (MIA). Karen Blanks Ellis, Chief Sustainability Officer at FedEx, emphasized the progress made over the last year:
“Expanding SAF use by FedEx to include our operations at DFW and JFK caps off a successful year of SAF deployments coast-to-coast. While we know there remains work ahead to procure more SAF… we are proud of our steps forward.”
The introduction of SAF at Dallas-Fort Worth is particularly notable. While pilot programs have existed at DFW since 2021, they were largely limited to business aviation. FedEx’s commitment marks the first regular commercial adoption at the airport, signaling a shift from experimental to operational use in the cargo sector.
However, the industry faces significant headwinds. SAF currently trades at a premium of two to five times the price of conventional jet fuel. Furthermore, global production remains less than 1% of total jet fuel demand. While the “book and claim” system and government incentives like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act help bridge the cost gap, the physical availability of SAF remains the primary bottleneck for large-scale adoption.
By securing 5 million gallons of neat SAF for 2025, FedEx is signaling consistent demand to producers, which is essential for stimulating the investment required to increase production capacity.
Airport officials have welcomed the move as a validation of existing infrastructure capabilities. Because the blended fuel is a “drop-in” solution, it requires no modifications to airport storage tanks or hydration systems.
Robert Horton, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at DFW Airport, stated:
“FedEx’s SAF purchase reflects how airlines, airports, and fuel providers work together within existing airport infrastructure to support the development of more sustainable aviation operations.”
“Neat” SAF refers to the pure, unblended sustainable fuel. It is not used in aircraft in this form due to safety regulations. Instead, it is blended with conventional jet fuel before delivery. Purchasing agreements often cite “neat” volumes to track the exact amount of renewable content purchased.
As of early 2026, FedEx utilizes SAF at five U.S. airports: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Miami (MIA). The specific SAF used in this agreement, produced via the HEFA pathway, can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
FedEx Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program to DFW and JFK Airports
Operational Details and Supply Chain
Strategic Context: The “Priority Earth” Goal
AirPro News Analysis
Stakeholder Commentary
Frequently Asked Questions
What is “Neat” SAF?
Where does FedEx use SAF?
What is the emission benefit?
Sources
Photo Credit: FedEx
Sustainable Aviation
Washington Launches Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator for SAF
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator launches with $20M funding to boost Pacific Northwest Sustainable Aviation Fuel production to 1 billion gallons annually by 2035.
This article is based on official press releases from Alaska Airlines and Washington State University, as well as public announcements from the launch event.
On January 8, 2026, a coalition of government, industry, and academic leaders officially launched the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA). Unveiled at the Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo, Washington, the initiative aims to establish the Pacific Northwest as a global leader in the production and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
According to official announcements, the accelerator is backed by $20 million in initial funding. This capital includes $10 million from Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act funds and a matching $10 million contribution from an anonymous philanthropic donor. The coalition has set an ambitious target: to scale regional SAF production to 1 billion gallons annually by 2035.
The initiative represents a broad partnership designed to bridge the gap between policy, technology, and commercial viability. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson championed the launch, positioning it as both an economic engine and a critical climate solution for the state.
The coalition features major stakeholders across multiple sectors:
“We have all the pieces in place to ensure this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity is realized, and this accelerator will make that happen.”
, Governor Bob Ferguson, via official press release
To address the complex barriers facing the SAF market, the initiative is divided into two complementary arms: the Accelerator and the Institute.
The CSAA focuses on market acceleration, financing, and policy advocacy. Its primary mission is to “de-risk” the industry for producers and investors. By harmonizing tax incentives and aggregating fuel demand from airlines and corporate partners, the Accelerator aims to create a stable market environment that encourages rapid scaling of production facilities. The Institute will handle the technical and scientific challenges of SAF adoption. It will operate a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research and Development Center based at Paine Field in Snohomish County. While a permanent facility is scheduled for completion by 2029, the center will open in a temporary commercial space in the coming months.
A key feature of the Institute will be the world’s first “SAF Repository.” This facility will function similarly to a seed bank, collecting, indexing, and distributing fuel samples to researchers globally to standardize testing and certification processes.
“For aviation to remain strong and resilient in the decades ahead, sustainability must be part of its future.”
, Elizabeth Cantwell, WSU President, via WSU News
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is widely considered the most viable near-term solution for decarbonizing long-haul aviation. Made from feedstocks such as agricultural waste, used cooking oil, or captured carbon, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. However, current supply accounts for less than 1% of global jet fuel usage, and it remains significantly more expensive than fossil-based alternatives.
The Pacific Northwest is viewed as an ideal “test bed” for solving these problems due to its access to renewable hydroelectric power, forestry and agricultural residues, and a deep aerospace talent pool.
The Accelerator aims to support existing regional projects, including:
“This is a systems issue that no one company can solve. You’ve got great companies… ready to use this fuel, but we have to make it available.”
, Guy Palumbo, Amazon Director of Public Policy, via launch event remarks
The launch of the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator marks a shift from individual corporate sustainability goals to a systemic regional strategy. While the target of 1 billion gallons by 2035 is aggressive, the bifurcation of the initiative into an “Accelerator” (finance/policy) and an “Institute” (R&D) suggests a mature understanding of the bottlenecks. The primary challenge for the CSAA will be feedstock logistics. While the Pacific Northwest has abundant forestry and agricultural waste, the infrastructure to collect, transport, and process these materials at a scale capable of producing 1 billion gallons does not yet exist. Furthermore, the involvement of corporate giants like Amazon and Microsoft is critical; their willingness to pay a “green premium” for sustainable air cargo and travel could provide the demand certainty that producers need to secure financing for new plants.
Success will likely depend on how quickly the Institute can streamline the fuel certification process, which has historically been a slow hurdle for new SAF pathways.
Sources:
Washington Leaders Launch Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator to Power PNW SAF Hub
A Public-Private Coalition
Strategic Structure: Accelerator and Institute
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA)
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Institute (CSAI)
Industry Context and Regional Projects
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines
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