ORLEN, a major Polish energy company, has started offering Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Warsaw Chopin, Kraków, and Katowice airports, allowing airlines to use a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel. The move is part of ORLEN’s wider plan to support cleaner energy use and reduce pollution caused by air travel.
The new fuel, which is made using waste materials like used cooking oil and agricultural or industrial leftovers, can cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its full production and use cycle, depending on the materials and process used. The SAF is blended with regular jet fuel, so it works in current aircraft without the need for any modifications.
“We’re introducing SAF to help lower emissions from aviation and offer airlines a practical way to fly cleaner,” said an ORLEN spokesperson. “This is a big step toward our long-term goal of offering more eco-friendly energy options.”
SAF is already being used in other countries, and now Poland is joining the push for cleaner skies. Airlines using Polish airports have welcomed the change, noting that it helps them meet growing environmental expectations.
The new offering also helps ORLEN meet upcoming European Union rules. Starting in 2025, the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation will require that 2% of all jet fuel sold in the region comes from sustainable sources. That share is set to rise to 6% by 2030 and 70% by 2050. The rules apply to EU airports that served over 800,000 passengers or moved 100,000 tonnes of cargo the previous year.
To meet the growing need for SAF and reduce dependence on imported components, ORLEN is building a special facility at its Plock refinery. The plant will make aviation fuel from used cooking oil and is expected to be ready in 2025. Until then, the company will continue importing SAF materials from abroad.
“This is just the beginning,” said the spokesperson. “We’re working hard to build the supply here in Poland, so the aviation sector can make real progress in cutting emissions.”
