Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • UK's biggest airports pledge support for Back British SAF campaign

Aerospace

UK's biggest airports pledge support for Back British SAF campaign

Britain’s biggest airports are leading the charge in a new campaign to get British production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) off the ground next year.

Image by Billion Photos / copyright Shutterstock
 
Bosses at Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester and Stansted – the UK’s four busiest airports – were the first signatories to sign the ‘Back British SAF’ pledge in support of new legislation that will secure vital investment for the domestic industry.

Advertisement
ODU RT 2

They are now urging businesses working across the aviation sector, unions and politicians across all parties in Westminster, Cardiff and Holyrood, to join them.

The new campaign urges the Government to bring forward the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (Revenue Support Mechanism) Bill quickly to ensure Britain can meet its target to have five SAF plants under construction by next year.

The Back British SAF campaign has been launched by RISE: a coalition of the UK’s leading airlines, airports and fuel producers to keep plans for a domestic SAF industry on track.  

Thomas Woldbye, Chief Executive Officer of Heathrow, said: “Heathrow is committed to 11% SAF use at the airport by 2030 and producing SAF in the UK is vital to making this ambition a reality. We have proven price mechanisms work with our own SAF incentive scheme at Heathrow and we urge the Government to bring forward the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill quickly, before it is too late for the UK to benefit from the jobs, growth and energy security a homegrown SAF industry would bring. There’s a huge opportunity for Britain here – let’s not lose it.”   

Stewart Wingate, Gatwick’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are working across the aviation industry to increase both demand and supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Our fuelling infrastructure at London Gatwick is SAF-ready, although airlines are hampered by limited availability. We encourage government to work with industry leaders to incentivise increased domestic production of SAF.”

Ken O’Toole, Chief Executive Officer of the Manchester Airports Group, which owns Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands Airports said: “The UK has the opportunity to create a world leading SAF industry, which will not only accelerate the UK aviation industry’s path to net zero by 2050 but will also stimulate economic growth and create thousands of new jobs across the country.  

Advertisement
ADS S &P RT

"Bringing forward the SAF revenue support mechanism into law at the earliest opportunity would give investors the confidence they need to create a thriving, home grown SAF industry here in the UK that will create thousands of jobs and secure an affordable future of flying for passengers.

The UK punches above its weight in aviation, with the third biggest aviation sector in the world directly employing more than 536,000 people, SAF is critical to ensure the industry reaches net zero. SAF can be made from waste material and other feedstocks. Research shows that SAF can cut carbon emissions by up to 70% and remains the only credible solution for medium and long-haul flights.

A Rise spokesperson said: “The production of SAF is one of the fastest growing industries on the planet and demand will soon outstrip supply. The United States, the European Union and countries across the Middle East and Asia Pacific are all ahead of the field in bringing forward measures to attract SAF investors to their shores.  We need to act now or risk losing out altogether.”  

A British SAF industry could boost the economy by £1.8 billion by 2030 and create 60,000 new jobs by 2050.

The Government’s mandate for SAF use will come into effect on 1st January 2025 but there is currently no timetable for the Bill’s introduction.

Advertisement
Babcock LB
IATA and ASA World enhance partnership

Aerospace Security

IATA and ASA World enhance partnership

7 November 2024

The recent MoU signed between the Airport Services Association World (ASA World) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reinforces a commitment to advancing safety, efficiency and innovation within the air transport industry.

Bristow and Leonardo agree support for AW139s and AW189s

Aerospace Security

Bristow and Leonardo agree support for AW139s and AW189s

6 November 2024

Bristow and Leonardo have finalised a series of long-term agreements that will enhance global fleet support and training for the AW139 and AW189 helicopters, extending into the next decade.

Menzies Aviation extends MACH roll-out to 28 new locations

Aerospace

Menzies Aviation extends MACH roll-out to 28 new locations

6 November 2024

Menzies Aviation has announced an extension of its partnership with Wipro to roll-out the Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling (MACH) cargo management system to 28 new stations in 2025.

Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first A350-1000

Aerospace

Ethiopian Airlines takes delivery of Africa’s first A350-1000

6 November 2024

Ethiopia’s national flag carrier and largest Airbus operator in Africa, Ethiopian Airlines, has taken delivery of its first of four A350-1000 from Airbus in Toulouse, France.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Cardiff Airport inspiring next generation of aviation talent

Aerospace

Cardiff Airport inspiring next generation of aviation talent

6 November 2024

A new university term has begun for first-year students studying a three-year BA (Hons) Aviation Management course, delivered by Cardiff Met University, in partnership with Cardiff Airport and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

BA celebrates silver anniversary at London City Airport

Aerospace

BA celebrates silver anniversary at London City Airport

6 November 2024

British Airways yesterday marked 25 years of flying the UK flag to and from London City Airport.

Advertisement
ODU RT