AMEX GBT: How Can SAF Technology Help Decarbonise Aviation?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is rapidly emerging as the most viable pathway for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030 SAF is expected to reach 17 million tonnes per annum (Mt/a), representing 4-5% of total jet fuel consumption.
American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX GBT) has released its first SAF index, providing an overview of the company's SAF landscape and corporate considerations.
Understanding how SAF is produced, funded and adopted can be key to accelerating its impact on global emissions.
The role of SAF in decarbonisation
According to the index, SAF is currently considered the leading solution for reducing emissions in aviation, largely because it can be integrated into existing fuel systems without requiring major infrastructure changes.
The industry is still evolving, but momentum is building as stakeholders across the value chain contribute to its development.
Governments are setting regulatory frameworks, while private sector players are helping drive demand through procurement and investment.
According to AMEX GBT, corporate travel programs are expected to play a significant role too, potentially accounting for up to half of global SAF demand by 2030.
This growing demand is crucial because it signals market confidence and encourages further production and innovation.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce the release of the Amex GBT Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Index 2026 - a comprehensive guide to the evolving SAF landscape and what it means for corporate travel programs,” writes Elizabeth Rolfes, Sustainability Analyst at AMEX GBT, on LinkedIn.
“SAF is the most viable decarbonisation pathway for aviation today.
“With volatile energy prices, alternative fuels such as SAF can also help promote energy independence, security and resilience.
“Corporate travel programs are positioned to help drive the voluntary SAF procurement market.”
As more organisations commit to decarbonising business travel, SAF adoption is becoming a central component of sustainability strategies.
Technological pathways and production growth
There are four main types of SAF, each defined by the technology and feedstocks used in production:
- Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA)
- Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ)
- Gasification with Fischer-Tropsch (FT)
- Power-to-Liquid (PtL).
Among these, HEFA is currently the only type produced at commercial scale, using feedstocks such as waste oils and fats, highlights AMEX GBT.
Other technologies rely on materials like ethanol, biomass or captured CO₂ and are expected to become more widely available by 2030.
According to the Index, production capacity has grown rapidly, increasing 24 times since 2021 and reaching approximately 634 million gallons in 2025.
Despite this progress, "since 2021, SAF production is estimated to have made up 0.6% of global jet fuel consumption in 2025," says AMEX GBT.
Economic challenges and corporate investment
According to the Index, "SAF is 2-10x more expensive than fossil jet fuel."
This price gap makes corporate investment especially important, as voluntary procurement helps bridge the financial difference and supports market development.
When companies purchase SAF, they not only reduce their own emissions but also send a strong economic signal that encourages further investment in production capacity.
This demand-driven approach helps de-risk the industry and accelerates its growth.
Additionally, SAF procurement can contribute to emissions reductions across multiple categories, including direct operations and business travel.
"In 2024, the US Department of Energy estimated 2030 global SAF demand would range from 1.8-6.2 billion gallons per year," says the AMEX GBT SAF Index.
"One year later, this research finds 2030 estimates of 5.1-7.0 BGPY, which is a positive sign that momentum is continuing."
Policy support and adoption trends
Government policies can play a pivotal role in scaling SAF adoption, with mandates and incentives covering approximately 75% of global jet fuel use.
Mandates require a certain percentage of SAF to be blended into traditional fuel supplies, while incentives such as tax credits help offset production costs.
The Index highlights that several regions have already implemented or announced SAF blending requirements, including targets that increase over time to drive long-term adoption.
These policies not only stimulate demand but also encourage innovation and infrastructure development.
At the same time, global collaboration and advocacy are helping to align stakeholders and accelerate progress.
As both policy frameworks and corporate commitments strengthen, SAF is becoming an increasingly viable and scalable solution for sustainable aviation.
