SAS calls for policy action to unlock e-SAF potential in Europe
SAS, as a leading member of Project SkyPower, joins 75 leading aviation and energy stakeholders in calling for urgent policy support to accelerate the development of e-SAF (Electric Sustainable Aviation Fuel) in the EU.
In a newly signed open letter from Project SkyPower, 75 organisations highlight the transformative potential of e-SAF to enhance energy resilience, strengthen Europe’s industrial base, and support aviation’s future climate goals.
E-SAF, produced using clean electricity, could create approximately 20,000 high-value jobs by 2050 and reinforce Europe’s position as a leader in cleantech innovation. With a projected €350+ billion global market and the capacity to reduce aviation emissions by 400 million tons annually, e-SAF represents a crucial step toward achieving the EU’s sustainability and industrial ambitions. Further, this will drive much needed demand for energy from renewable sources like wind, hydro and solar power.
Despite strong industry interest, investment barriers and regulatory uncertainties have stalled e-SAF production, with no facility yet reaching Final Investment Decision (FID). To unlock its potential, SAS, together with industry leaders and energy stakeholders, urges the EU to implement five key policy measures:
- Prioritize e-SAF in the clean industrial deal and sustainable transport investment plan.
- Recycle ETS revenues to fund a market intermediary that secures revenue certainty and mitigates price risks.
- Introduce a bridging mechanism in 2025 to support early adopters before long-term policy frameworks take effect.
- Ensure regulatory certainty on mandates, production criteria, and penalties to encourage investment.
- Establish a government-backed backstop mechanism to mitigate project-on-project risk and facilitate financing.
“SAS is committed to forging a path to a sustainable future, where innovation and shared responsibility drive progress for both our planet and our societies. E-SAF is a critical part of the solution. However, industry efforts alone are not enough—decisive policy action is needed to scale up e-SAF production, drive real industry change, and solidify Europe’s leadership in sustainable aviation,” says Anko van der Werff, President & CEO at SAS.
Implementing these measures will unlock investment, scale e-SAF production, and ensure Europe leads the way in aviation sustainability.
https://project-skypower.org/news-publications/70-industry-leaders-call-five-key-policy-interventions-support-scale-e-saf
https://project-skypower.org/sites/default/files/2025-02/Project%20SkyPower%20Policy%20Letter%20Visual%20Summary.pdf
For more information, please contact:
SAS Press Office: +46 8 797 2944
About SAS
SAS, Scandinavia's leading airline since 1946, operates a global hub at Copenhagen Airport (CPH), complemented by hubs in Oslo (OSL) and Stockholm (ARN).
Our mission is to connect Scandinavia with the world and the world with Scandinavia. Each year, SAS serves more than 25 million passengers and transports 60,000 tons of cargo to 135 destinations across Europe, the USA, and Asia. With a relentless focus on operational excellence, SAS ranks as one of the most punctual airlines in Europe and the world. With a passionate workforce of over 10,000 colleagues, we collaborate with partners and customers to drive transformative changes in aviation. We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, embodying the visionary spirit of our founders: “To move from the old to what is about to come, is the only tradition worth keeping.” Innovation and societal progress are at the heart of everything we do.
SAS joined SkyTeam in September 2024, and together with our partner airlines, we offer a wide network worldwide.
For more information, visit our website at www.flysas.com or follow us on social media for the latest updates and promotions.
About Project SkyPower
Project SkyPower is a group of committed leaders from across the aviation value chain in Europe, working to make e-SAF a commercial reality this decade. With 15 CEOs and over 50 member organisations, we are coming together to break down the barriers facing e-SAF in Europe and accelerate progress towards scaling this innovative fuel. With representation from across the e-SAF ecosystem, we will leverage our diverse and deep expertise to collectively and collaboratively overcome the challenges faced by e-SAF and will unify our voice to send a clear message to the whole aviation ecosystem that these fuels are vitally important for our industry’s fight to reach our emissions reductions targets. Project SkyPower is an action-oriented initiative. With ambitious plans set within tight timelines, our primary focus is on concrete action and swift generation of valuable insights that can deliver our goals.
