Sustainable Aviation Fuel Act 2026

A vote to support means

• —Reduces aviation's carbon footprint: Aviation accounts for roughly 2-3% of global emissions; SAF can cut lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel, helping the UK meet its net-zero 2050 commitment.
• —Creates UK jobs and industry: Mandating SAF demand encourages domestic production facilities, supporting manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain jobs in renewable energy sectors.
• —Improves air quality: SAF produces fewer particulates and nitrogen oxides during combustion, reducing local air pollution near airports and benefiting communities living nearby.
• —Strengthens energy independence: Developing domestic SAF production reduces reliance on imported fossil fuels and insulates the UK from volatile global oil prices.

A vote to oppose means

• —Increases costs for airlines and passengers: SAF currently costs 2-5 times more than conventional jet fuel; mandatory blending will raise operational costs, potentially passed to consumers through higher ticket prices.
• —Uncertain supply availability: SAF production capacity is currently limited globally; mandates may outpace actual supply, forcing airlines to overpay or face penalties rather than meeting genuine environmental targets.
• —Risk to food security: Some SAF is derived from agricultural feedstocks; large-scale production could compete with food crops for land and resources, driving up food prices or requiring unsustainable land use changes.
• —Competitive disadvantage: UK airlines face mandatory SAF costs while international competitors using other routes avoid such requirements, potentially making UK-based carriers less competitive on international routes.