British Airways Owner IAG dominates use of green jet fuel

The IAG group, which owns British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and Aer Lingus, said Friday that it used 16% of the world’s total sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply in 2024. IAG isn’t even among the top 10 largest airlines in the world by fleet size, passenger numbers or distance flown, according to Flightradar. The group said it is disproportionately affected by regulations and mandates around greener fuel. In its annual report, IAG said differing policies and levels of government support in the EU and UK may result in a disproportionate impact on the company, as much of its business happens in this region. IAG CEO Luis Gallego spoke about the company’s climate targets and SAF during the meeting. “The main focus is to ensure that we are well placed to meet regulatory mandates. We continue to put in place firm contractual commitments for sustainable aviation fuel, which differentiates us from most other airlines,” Gallego said. “As a result, 1.9% of the fuel we used in 2024 was SAF, meaning we are very well placed for a 2% mandate in both the U.K. and EU in 2025.” Both the UK and the EU have enacted SAF mandates, starting at 2% and increasing over time. The UK’s target will rise to 22% by 2040, while the EU aims for 70% by 2070.<br/>