Written by Courtney Drysdale

You’ve probably heard the term ‘sustainable aviation fuel’ flying around, but what is it? Is it a viable alternative to traditional and harmful jet fuel, and who uses it? In this blog post — fellow responsible travellers — we will unpack why sustainable aviation fuel is a great alternative to jet fuel and how these changes are being implemented as we speak…

What is sustainable aviation fuel?

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is an alternative fuel developed to reduce aviation-related greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants. The fuel is produced from sustainable stocks like used cooking oil, forestry waste, household waste and other waste oils. It is then blended with traditional jet fuel to make a more sustainable alternative, thus impacting the hefty carbon footprint of the transportation sector. Apart from this key benefit, using a renewable energy source like this also has other impacts. These include reducing other harmful emissions, such as sulphur and particulates.

Why is sustainable aviation fuel important?

If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint while travelling, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can be an important consideration when planning your next holiday. By using SAF, airlines can reduce their carbon footprint, helping to reduce overall emissions. Additionally, SAF is a renewable and sustainable alternative, as it is produced from various sources, including sustainable biomass, agricultural waste, and even recycled cooking oil. This means that the fuel is less damaging to the environment and can also help create jobs in rural and impoverished areas through recycling. Ultimately, using SAF is an essential step in helping to reduce the environmental impact of air travel and making holidays more sustainable.

Airlines using sustainable aviation fuel

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has taken the lead in sustainable aviation, becoming the first to use sustainable aviation fuel regularly. This fuel is produced from alternative sources, such as biomass and used cooking oil, and is a cleaner-burning alternative to traditional jet fuel. Using sustainable aviation fuel can avoid as much, and more, as 75% of the total carbon emission that conventional jet fuel produces in its lifetime. KLM has committed to increasing its use of sustainable aviation fuel gradually. The airline is progressing towards its goal of using 30% sustainable aviation fuel in flights by 2030.

Lufthansa

Lufthansa is committed to sustainable aviation and is a leader in the industry in using sustainable fuel. It is the first global airline to introduce sustainable aviation fuel in its flight operations and has set a goal of using 2 million tons of sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. This fuel is derived from biomass and waste materials, which helps to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 80%. The airline also offers offsets to customers, allowing them to offset travel emissions and contribute to climate protection projects. Lufthansa is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and is a more sustainable airline.

Viatu invites you to be your next trip's sustainability captain and steward. When booking your next adventure, compare the carbon emissions between flights, and opt for the lesser. KLM and Lufthansa offer flights to South Africa and Namibia, meaning you can reduce your impact before touching the ground. Hop on over to our website to start planning your next sustainable journey to these life-changing destinations.