Turning Challenge into Opportunity 2025

Insight: Financial and physical infrastructure access What we heard Access to pipelines and the selection of SAF/jet fuel suppliers by airports are critical considerations, in particular to guarantee security of supply. While this varies regionally, infrastructure access at present is often concentrated among major players that may own or lease pipelines and associated fuel delivery infrastructure. This can limit physical access to airport supply for newcomers or even for larger suppliers when looking at new regions. In turn, this potentially leads to increased SAF prices, even if physical access is possible but financial restrictions, such as fees, are in place. Some markets in particular, such as the UK or France, have highly complex-to-access logistics systems. Why it matters Local infrastructure access rules determine whether blended SAF can be transported through pipelines and to airports. Restricted physical access to infrastructure can reduce competition and discourage innovation, potentially prompting new SAF project developers to sell to incumbent suppliers instead of directly to airlines. Access to infrastructure may be possible but it could still add costs to jet fuel delivery that need to be factored into offtake contracts with airlines. Even if this were feasible, producers or suppliers will need to reassure airlines of their security of supply – something that, alongside price, can influence airlines’ buying decisions. All these factors can restrict new producers’ ability to secure offtake agreements and limit business model flexibility or efficiencies. As a result, market diversity and the pace of SAF scale-up are both constrained, slowing progress towards price parity and decarbonization targets and requiring the involvement of multiple players along the downstream supply chain, adding to both complexity and costs. Smart solutions To address limited SAF access to existing infrastructure, countries and regions alike can explore more open logistics models, as long as product quality and security of supply are guaranteed. Spain, for example, has established a neutral fuel infrastructure operator that ensures non-discriminatory access to pipelines, storage and hydrant systems for fuel suppliers, including SAF producers. By integrating shared blending facilities, centralized quality control and digital traceability, the system reduces technical and logistical barriers that can curtail SAF blending and delivery to airports. Some airports already have open access to fuel infrastructure, promoting competition and lower prices. For example, John F. Kennedy International Airport, which serves New York City, owns its fuel farm and provides open access to any supplier and supplier type.8 Meanwhile, Bangkok International Airport works with a collaborating entity that allows open access to the fuel farm, enabling supplier competition.9 These airports enable new producers to rely on existing infrastructure to deliver their SAF without additional costs. Even so, their SAF still needs to be blended to specification to access this infrastructure in the first place and this may require other parties to be involved or other challenges to be addressed, as explained below. Insight: Blending ratios What we heard While higher blend ratios are technically feasible, with fuel specifications allowing for selected SAF pathways up to 50% blends, market demand for higher blends is affected by both technical factors and commercial parameters. Blends therefore need to be maintained within the range of fuel specifications. Technical factors such as flash point, lubricity and thermal stability impact blend feasibility and, more widely, the technical specifications of the blend do not necessarily change linearly with the ratio of SAF and jet fuel, requiring a clear understanding of the parameters of the jet fuel the SAF is being blended into. At the same time, cost and procurement processes may not be typically designed for blends above ~30%. While some scope 3 buyers may be interested in higher blends that could result in lower carbon abatement costs, on a volumetric base, greater SAF blends can cost more. Why it matters Under-utilization of blend potential leaves decarbonization tonnes “on the table”, slowing progress towards net-zero commitments. By not enabling technically feasible higher SAF blends – through aligned standards, faster certification and fit-for-purpose procurement – airlines and buyers miss low-cost abatement opportunities and delay growth pathways that could unlock deeper emissions reductions. Addressing these constraints can translate technical feasibility into operational reality, catalysing the market confidence, investment and innovation needed to move beyond current blending limitations. Smart solutions To unlock the full decarbonization potential of higher SAF blend ratios, a coordinated policy approach is essential. The prospect of regulatory harmonization of blending quality standards may allow the relaxation of certain specification parameters to provide greater flexibility in blending, as long as operational safety and product quality are maintained. Turning Challenge into Opportunity: Supplier Voices from Heavy-Emitting Sectors 9