The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and global consultancy ICF have launched a new framework to tackle the challenge of scaling up the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other renewable fuels.
The WTTC-ICF framework offers clear actions for stakeholders to engage in, such as joining campaigns, supplying waste products, funding production facilities, or purchasing sustainable fuel certificates.
The report, Scaling Up Sustainable Fuel, provides a practical roadmap for businesses to contribute to addressing transport-related emissions and accelerating the shift to cleaner fuels. Currently, SAF accounts for just 0.3% of global jet fuel use, and to meet net-zero targets by 2050, production must increase more than 400-fold, requiring as many as 6,500 new renewable fuel plants worldwide.
This expansion would necessitate the construction of approximately 6,500 new renewable fuel plants worldwide, with sustainable marine fuel (SMF) facing similar supply and infrastructure constraints.
While SAF is a “drop-in” solution compatible with existing engines and aircraft, its widespread adoption is hampered by high production costs, limited infrastructure, and feedstock competition, leading to prices up to 10 times higher than conventional fuel.
The report warns that unless the sector acts collectively, mandatory SAF blending targets could increase travel costs and limit consumer choice. With the travel and tourism industry projected to generate $16.5 trillion for the global economy and support over 460 million jobs by 2035, expanding SAF production is not only an environmental necessity but also crucial for safeguarding global economic prosperity.
The collaboration advocates for enhanced government incentives, expanded infrastructure investments, and innovative partnerships that leverage the collective strengths of all players in the travel ecosystem. By embracing sustainable fuels today, the travel industry can significantly reduce its environmental impact, stabilize fuel costs, and secure long-term growth and resilience in an increasingly climate-conscious world.
Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC, said, “Sustainable fuel is the single biggest game-changer for travel & tourism, but right now, supply falls dangerously short of demand. If we don’t act together, we risk rising costs, limited availability, and stalled climate progress.”
She said that every hotel, tour operator, travel agency, cruise line, and airline has a role to play” and called on governments to incentivize SAF production rather than solely setting targets.
