European Airlines Seek Delay of EU's 2030 e-SAF Blending Mandate

BRUSSELS — European airline CEOs at the Airlines for Europe annual summit March 19 formally requested a postponement of the EU's e-SAF mandate requiring 1.2% synthetic fuel blending by 2030.

Airlines for Europe representatives said current projects cover only 0.7% of 2030 requirements, warning that penalties could reach €7 billion to €9 billion if targets are missed. Companies face mounting costs amid spiking jet fuel prices driven by Middle East conflict disruptions, which have doubled European fuel costs since late February.

Environmental groups countered that delays would endanger energy security and eliminate Europe's early-mover advantage in green technology. EU regulators have not yet responded to the lobbying efforts as airlines await changes to ReFuelEU anti-tankering rules and emissions trading system alignment.