Airbus is making a significant move to accelerate the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by introducing a “Book and Claim” system. This new approach aims to strengthen both SAF supply and demand on a global scale, offering a more flexible and scalable solution to drive adoption.
The initiative has already gained industry support, with SMBC Aviation Capital being the first to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Other key players, including AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment, and SAF Aerogroup, have also expressed their commitment, highlighting a collective push to expand SAF usage.
How “Book and Claim” Works
In essence, the Book and Claim model allows buyers to “book” a specific quantity of SAF and “claim” the associated emission reductions, even if the fuel itself is used elsewhere. This setup is particularly beneficial for customers in locations where SAF supply is limited or where they require only small volumes.
Through a pilot programme running throughout 2025, Airbus will use this mechanism to increase SAF accessibility for a broader range of aviation stakeholders. Acting as a facilitator, Airbus will purchase SAF certificates and manage sustainability attributes through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a recognized certification body. These certificates will then be resold to interested customers—such as aircraft and helicopter operators—helping stimulate short-term demand for SAF.
Driving Market Interest and Scalability
The pilot programme is expected to provide key insights into the effectiveness and resilience of this model. Additionally, it will gauge industry interest in a third-party-facilitated SAF solution, potentially paving the way for wider adoption.
Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Carbon Dioxide Removals at Airbus, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating:
“Supporting the SAF Book and Claim mechanism is an immediate way to help scale up the global SAF market. For smaller operators, accessing SAF can be difficult, depending on supply availability and required volumes. With this initiative, Airbus simplifies and reduces risk for both operators and SAF suppliers by securing SAF certificates in advance and distributing them as needed. This also provides an opportunity to demonstrate the reliability of Book and Claim, reinforcing its potential for use in voluntary and regulatory markets.”
By championing this initiative, Airbus is not only facilitating SAF adoption but also positioning Book and Claim as a credible, scalable solution to help decarbonize the aviation industry.
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