IBA reveals airlines’ European SAF use

Image courtesy IBA

IBA has reported that International Airlines Group (IAG) has achieved the highest sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) use in Europe. 

The data, aggregated through IBA’s NetZero Platform and published as the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation initiative takes effect, highlights how airlines are beginning to align their fuel strategies with evolving emissions targets and regulatory incentives.

With the European Commission now publishing SAF-linked emissions allowances by operator, IBA’s analysis compares group-level SAF performance across intra-EU flights, revealing a widening gap between early adopters and slower movers.



Note: CO₂ exposure and SAF blend data from IBA NetZero Platform. Allowance figures are from the official EU list of free 
ETS allowances for SAF use in 2024. (1) IAG total is aggregated across its airlines – e.g. British Airways (including Cityflyer & Euroflyer units) ~155k, Aer Lingus 60k, Iberia 7k, Iberia Express 118k, Vueling 157k allowances. (2) Air France–KLM total includes Air France 254k, KLM 90k, Transavia NL 24.6k, Transavia FR 10.9k allowances. (3) Lufthansa Group total includes Lufthansa 19.7k, Austrian 50k, Eurowings 109.8k allowances. 

IAG and Air France–KLM have both established clear leads in SAF use, with average EU airport SAF blends of 3.9% and 2.5% respectively in 2024. Both groups are focusing on SAF uplift at their major EU hubs to maximise ETS benefits and help offset the higher costs associated with using sustainable fuel.

IBA’s analysis shows a two-speed SAF market emerging in Europe with SAS and Finnair demonstrating steady progress, reaching 1.1% and 0.4% SAF use respectively in 2024. Lufthansa Group remains more conservative, with 0.2% group-wide SAF use and a moderate 5% target by 2030. 

Ryanair and Wizz Air currently show very limited SAF use, yet both have set ambitious 2030 targets of 12.5% and 10% respectively. Both carriers have also secured supply agreements with major producers, suggesting their operational usage is likely to rise as availability improves and ReFuelEU mandates take effect.

Under ReFuelEU, SAF-linked ETS (Emissions Trading Scheme) allowances provide airlines with partial financial relief by offsetting some of the cost gap with conventional fuel. Early adopters are not only strengthening their sustainability profiles but also improving long-term cost efficiency and regulatory resilience. The advantage will rest with airlines treating SAF not as a short-term compliance cost but as a strategic investment, securing limited supply and positioning for future policy tightening.
 
To read IBA’s full report on SAF use in Europe, click here.