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In a bold move to accelerate the aviation industry’s transition to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), Heathrow is expanding its incentive program, covering half the price gap between traditional kerosene and SAF. By making fuel switching more commercially viable for airlines, the airport aims to achieve a 3% SAF adoption rate in 2024, equivalent to 187,000 tonnes of fuel—a significant jump from last year’s 155,000-tonne target, which a £71 million fund backed.
Heathrow claims that SAFs used at the airport reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by 70%. If its SAF-enabled flights reach their full target this year, it expects to mitigate 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable aviation.
The announcement follows the recent introduction of the UK’s SAF Mandate, which legally requires 2% of national jet fuel demand to be met by SAF by 2025, rising to 10% in 2030 and 22% by 2040. By 2030, the UK will consume 1.2 million tonnes of SAF annually to fuel over 3,000 global flights.
Under UK law, a fuel must reduce lifecycle carbon intensity by at least 40% compared to kerosene to qualify as a sustainable aviation fuel. However, global regulations still limit SAF blending to 50% per flight, with most airlines using far smaller proportions. Despite this, Heathrow has set a higher internal goal, committing to be 1% above the national mandate by 2030.
Heathrow’s carbon strategy director, Matt Gorman, said: “SAF is no longer a future promise—it’s a proven solution that is powering flights worldwide. Our SAF incentive scheme, part of our Connecting People and Planet sustainability strategy, has made significant progress and we’re now exploring options to set a long-term incentive signal to 2030.”
While Heathrow supports the SAF mandate, Gorman urges ministers to reignite efforts to introduce a revenue certainty mechanism, initially promised in 2023 under Rishi Sunak’s government. This mechanism, potentially modelled after strike price guarantees or alternative financial support, would give SAF producers the confidence to scale production.
The UK Government’s Jet Zero Strategy aims for net-zero airport operations and domestic flights by 2040, with all international flights reaching net-zero by 2050. However, questions remain about whether the plan can reduce emissions at the necessary scale and pace.
The Climate Change Committee (CCC), the UK’s top climate advisory body, has recommended a moratorium on airport expansion projects until a national framework for managing aviation emissions is in place. Meanwhile, expansion plans continue at Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Bristol, and Luton, raising concerns about whether SAF and efficiency improvements alone can meet long-term climate goals. Its most recent annual report stated: “There should be no net airport expansion unless the carbon intensity of aviation is outperforming the Government’s emissions reduction pathway and can accommodate the additional demand”.
The Labour Government has refused to act on this recommendation. It has stated that it “recognises a role for airport expansion where it provides economic growth and is compatible with our legally binding net-zero target and strict environmental standards.” No pause will be implemented.
Before last year’s general election, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) raised doubts about the Jet Zero Strategy’s effectiveness, pushing for frequent reviews and demanding ministerial assurances that policies would be adjusted if emissions reduction targets were unmet.
While Heathrow’s SAF incentive program represents a significant step in reducing aviation emissions, the long-term success of the Jet Zero Strategy will depend on scaling SAF production, ensuring financial support mechanisms, and addressing concerns about unchecked airport expansion. As the UK moves toward its 2030 and 2050 aviation targets, the industry faces a critical challenge: balancing growth, sustainability, and regulatory expectations in an era where climate accountability is no longer optional.