Airbus has taken a decisive step toward the global expansion of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by introducing a new and innovative “Reserve and Claim” initiative. This approach aims to accelerate both the supply and demand for SAF, providing a flexible and scalable solution to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable aviation sector.

The initiative has been supported by a group of major aviation industry players, with the first memorandum of understanding signed by SMBC Aviation Capital. Additionally, companies such as AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment, and SAF Aerogroup have expressed interest in joining the collaboration. These key players have expressed their commitment to the common goal of increasing SAF adoption in global aviation.

How Does the “Reserve and Claim” System Work?
The “Reserve and Claim” system allows buyers to reserve a specific quantity of SAF and claim the corresponding emissions reductions, regardless of whether the fuel is used in other sectors outside of aviation. This solution seeks to democratize access to SAF, especially for those customers who face difficulties in acquiring the fuel due to limited volumes or locations far from supply points.

This innovative system will be tested through a pilot program that will run throughout 2025. Airbus will use this mechanism to improve accessibility to SAF and provide an effective response to the needs of operators who want to reduce their carbon footprint but face logistical and economic barriers to accessing this sustainable fuel.

As the main facilitator, Airbus will be responsible for the acquisition of SAF certificates and manage the associated sustainability attributes through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a recognized sustainability certification body. These certificates will then be resold to interested customers, including aircraft and helicopter operators, which will increase demand for SAF in the short term and allow for greater transparency and traceability in the use of this fuel.

The pilot program will not only offer access to SAF to a wider range of customers but will also provide valuable data on the viability of this “Reserve and Claim” mechanism. Evaluating market interest and the effectiveness of third-party intervention in this model will also be a key part of this pilot study.

Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Absorption and Carbon Dioxide at Airbus, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating: “Supporting the SAF Reserve and Claim mechanism is an immediate solution that contributes to the emergence and expansion of the global SAF market. For many smaller operators, accessing SAF can be complicated, depending on the quantity of SAF required. Thanks to this initiative, Airbus can simplify and de-risk the process for operators and SAF providers by financially guaranteeing SAF certificates upfront and sharing them when customers need them.”

This measure represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate the reliability of the “Book and Claim” system and its potential for adoption in voluntary and regulatory markets, helping the aviation industry meet its sustainability and emissions reduction goals.

Source and Credits: Airbus
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