In addition to all actions implemented to reduce direct airport emissions (such as energy efficiency, the electrification of vehicles, the development of renewables, etc.), in the short to medium term, the introduction and wider use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is currently one of the solutions to act on airport scope 3, by reducing aircraft emissions. Budapest Airport tested the commercial use of SAF in 2023, in cooperation with MOL, Wizz Air and AFS Ltd., with the aim of preparing Budapest Airport’s fuel supply system for the obligation coming into force in 2025, which requires airport operators above a certain level of traffic to provide a minimum 2% sustainable aviation fuel to airlines from the beginning of this year.
The raw materials used in the production of SAF include vegetable or animal fats, that cannot be recycled elsewhere, which are converted into a premium-quality renewable product through special processes, thus reducing the greenhouse gases emitted by aircraft. This new generation of sustainably produced fuel, in its pure form, could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle, compared to fossil jet fuel. SAF is currently permitted to be blended with conventional fossil-based kerosene of up to 50%, to ensure compatibility with aircraft, engines and fueling systems. SAF is also compatible with existing airport infrastructure, minimizing additional investments.
“Sustainable aviation fuel emits about 80% less carbon dioxide compared to conventional kerosene and can therefore make a significant contribution to the decarbonization of the aviation industry,” emphasized Francois Berisot, the CEO of Budapest Airport, who also underlined: “The availability of sustainable aviation fuel at Budapest Airport is a very important milestone and will greatly contribute to the future reduction of Budapest Airport’s indirect carbon emissions from its corporate value chain activities.”
