Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is now part of every flight from an EU airport. Under the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation, fuel suppliers have had to blend at least 2% SAF into jet fuel at EU airports since 2025. The share rises to 6% in 2030, including a minimum of 0.7% synthetic e-fuel, and keeps increasing after that.
The anti-tankering rule
To stop operators avoiding the mandate by filling up outside Europe, ReFuelEU also requires aircraft operators to uplift at least 90% of the fuel they need for flights departing EU airports from those airports. For business aviation, which often flies to smaller airfields, this creates real operational and administrative challenges.
Industry pushing for simpler rules
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has warned of a heavy administrative burden, and more than 300 of its members signed an open letter asking for changes. A key request is recognition of “book and claim”, which lets an operator buy SAF at one airport and claim the benefit for flights elsewhere, since SAF is not physically available at many smaller airports. A review of the regulation is expected in 2027.
What it means for charter clients
- Fuel costs: SAF costs more than conventional jet fuel, and part of this is reflected in charter prices from EU airports.
- Lower-carbon options: Many operators now offer SAF uplift or verified carbon programmes. Industry estimates suggest nearly half of business aviation operators have some form of SAF or offset solution.
- Choosing the right aircraft remains the simplest way to cut emissions and cost: a modern, right-sized jet burns far less fuel than an oversized one.
If sustainability matters to you, tell us when you request a quote and we will look for operators offering SAF or certified offset options.
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Sources: Aviation International News (May 2026), EASA, ch-aviation.
