Airbus is taking a significant step toward scaling the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by testing a new “Book and Claim” approach.
This initiative aims to boost both supply and demand for sustainable aviation fuel worldwide, providing a flexible and scalable solution to accelerate SAF adoption.
The first MoU was signed by SMBC Aviation Capital, followed by AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment and SAF Aerogroup, who confirmed their interest in joining this collaborative initiative, reinforcing the industry-wide intention to increase the adoption of alternative fuels.
Book and Claim approaches for adopting SAF use
In simple terms, the Book and Claim approach allows a buyer to “book” a certain amount of sustainable aviation fuel and “claim” the corresponding emission reduction, even if the fuel is used elsewhere.
Through a pilot programme running throughout 2025, Airbus will leverage this system to improve SAF accessibility for potential customers, particularly those with limited volumes and who are far from supply points.
As a facilitator, Airbus will purchase SAF certificates and manage the associated sustainability attributes through the registry of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a recognised sustainability certification body.
These certificates will then be resold to interested customers, such as aircraft and helicopter operators, therefore stimulating the short-term demand for SAF.
Scaling up the market for alternative fuels
The pilot programme is expected to generate key insights into the capacity and robustness of this innovative Book and Claim mechanism. It will also assess market interest in the third-party facilitation of these integrated SAF solutions.
Julien Manhes, Airbus Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Carbon Dioxide Removals, said: “Supporting the SAF Book and Claim mechanism is an immediate solution contributing to the emergence and scale-up of the global SAF market.
“For a lot of smaller operators, getting access to sustainable aviation fuel can be challenging, depending on the amount needed.
“Through this initiative, Airbus can simplify and de-risk the process for operators and SAF suppliers by financially securing SAF certificates upfront and sharing them when customers need them.
“This is also a great opportunity to demonstrate that Book and Claim is reliable and that its usage should be extended in voluntary and regulatory markets.”
Further Airbus initiatives to achieve net zero
Airbus aligns with global and binding decarbonisation programmes, in addition to other market-based measures, to help cap the aviation industry’s CO2 emissions.
This supports and contributes to the industry-wide ambition to implement global market-based measures for the aviation industry.
The aviation industry, including Airbus, has committed to an industry-wide decarbonisation movement that includes the following key targets:
- Low carbon growth: For a number of years, aviation stakeholders have thought out and executed stronger programmes and frameworks to reduce carbon emissions whilst air travel is increasing.
- Contributing to the IATA, ATAG and ICAO’s ambition of ‘net-zero carbon emission by 2050′: Through innovative aircraft architecture, aerodynamic design and new technological bricks, Airbus is leading the way toward an improved environmental footprint for aviation.
