6 most common questions about sustainable aviation fuel

What is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)? 

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a renewable substitute for fossil fuels. Sustainable aviation fuel can be produced using various conversion technologies and raw materials. These can range from waste oils and agricultural waste to carbon captured from the air.

Sustainable aviation fuel can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft without modifications to engines or infrastructure. 

Is SAF currently in use?

Yes, sustainable aviation fuel is already being used in the aviation industry. In 2023, Finnair used approximately 2,266 tons of SAF, which constituted about 0.2 percent of our total fuel consumption.  The share of SAF in our total fuel consumption is still very small, but its share will increase in the future. The main reason SAF is not widely used yet is its higher cost and limited availability – sustainable aviation fuel is 2–5 times more expensive than regular jet fuel. This is no small challenge in a competitive environment, and with fuel being the biggest cost item for airlines.  

The European Union has agreed to ramp up SAF usage over the next few decades and is about to implement an EU-wide mandate in 2025. There are also a few national SAF mandates in force in some of the EU countries. Part of our sustainable aviation fuel purchases goes towards fulfilling these mandates.

How do I know if my flight has sustainable aviation fuel?

Sustainable aviation fuel is purchased and used based on the book and claim principle, in which the fuel is not physically delivered and loaded onto a particular aircraft or flight. This approach enables airlines to assert the environmental advantages associated with their SAF purchase. A similar mechanism is used in the green electricity market.

What is the future outlook for SAF?

It has been widely acknowledged that sustainable aviation fuel will be the most impactful measure to eliminate fossil jet fuel. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to enhance the efficiency of SAF production processes and reduce costs. Governments, airlines, and industry stakeholders are working collaboratively to establish regulations and incentives that promote the widespread adoption of SAF, paving the way for a more sustainable aviation.

Does the use of SAF affect ticket prices?

The increased use of sustainable aviation fuel will bring additional costs for us and other airlines, as fuel is one of the largest cost items for an airline. Sustainable aviation fuel is 2–5 times more expensive than regular jet fuel. The increased fuel costs arising from sustainable aviation fuel will likely be reflected in ticket prices in the coming years. With the EU regulation, the requirements for using sustainable aviation fuel will apply to all EU airlines, and therefore the costs will increase for all EU airlines.

Why Finnair wants to use SAF?

Using sustainable aviation fuel is an important part of our CO2 emission reduction actions. By increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel, we can contribute to developing sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure and help create a more sustainable aviation industry in the long run.

You can also join the efforts and address your carbon emissions by purchasing more sustainable aviation fuel or supporting certified climate projects via our partner Chooose. Find out more about our carbon offset service.