Emirates’ Clark warns that SAF mandates have gone too far

The president of Emirates Airline says governments have gone “too far” in terms of mandating the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which could end up costing passengers. Speaking with Australia’s Sky TV, Tim Clark says government mandates that a specific percentage of airlines’ fuel uplift be SAF by a certain date will create problems. “This stick approach, in my view, is not the way to get us across the line with SAF,” says Clark. “Today, the airline community to a man would be using SAF if they could. We’re equally concerned about the environment.” Clark notes that there is insufficient investment going into refining capacity for SAF. Moreover, the cost of feedstocks is high, as well as the opportunity cost involved in creating feedstocks, such as using arable land to produce SAF that could otherwise be used to produce food. Clark estimates that SAF represents just 0.1% of the fuel used in aviation, and that demand for air travel continues to grow, pushing up fuel requirements. He warns of a situation where governments fine airlines for failing to use the mandated percentage of SAF, fine airports for not providing SAF facilities, and fine energy producers for failing to produce it. Ultimately, this cost will be borne by passengers.<br/>