Sustainability
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one of the key levers available today to reduce CO₂ emissions from aviation. In recognition of this, the EU has put in place a specific regulation to support the uptake of SAF across EU aviation.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
- Synthetic aviation fuels, produced using renewable hydrogen and captured carbon
- Advanced aviation biofuels, made from specified wastes and residues
- Other aviation biofuels, including certain oils and fats
- Recycled carbon aviation fuels
Only fuels that meet the requirements set out in the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation can be classified as SAF in the EU.
SAF is a liquid fuel that can be used in today’s aircraft and airport infrastructure without technical modifications. It is blended with conventional jet fuel as part of the overall aviation fuel mix.
How SAF fits into TUI’s climate approach
Reducing emissions from aviation is a major challenge for the travel industry. At TUI, SAF is one of several measures supporting our climate strategy, alongside:
- Investing in newer aircraft with lower fuel consumption per passenger kilometre
- Improving operational and flight efficiency
- Supporting the development and uptake of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)
TUI Airline’s emissions reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), helping ensure they are aligned with the latest climate science. Working with SBTi provides a recognised global standard, as well as independent guidance and accountability to support real emissions reductions consistent with limiting global warming.
In addition to aviation, TUI Group also has science-based emissions reduction targets in place for its cruise and hotel operations.
Why SAF matters - and its limits
SAF is one of the most promising options available today to reduce emissions from aviation, particularly on medium- and long- haul flights, where other technologies are not yet viable. Based on internationally recognised lifecycle assessment methodologies developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), SAF can deliver lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions reductions of up to 80%* compared with conventional fossil jet fuel, depending on the feedstock and production pathway.
It is important to note that:
- SAF produces similar CO₂ emissions during flight as conventional jet fuel
- Emissions reductions occur across the full lifecycle, including how the fuel is produced and sourced
- Actual reductions vary by fuel type and are subject to independent third-party verification
SAF does not eliminate emissions entirely and is currently available only in limited quantities. That is why TUI’s emissions reduction strategy focuses on multiple actions, rather than relying on a single solution.
Funding disclosure
In 2025 TUI Group received €1.1 million to support eligible SAF used in 2024, co-funded by the EU Emissions Trading System.
For the purposes of this funding, eligible SAF refers to alternative aviation fuels that qualify for financial support under Article 3c(6) of Directive 2003/87/EC (EU Emissions Trading System).
The scheme aims to help reduce the cost gap between conventional kerosene and sustainable aviation fuels. It is designed as an incentive to promote the uptake of eligible aviation fuels, including sustainable aviation fuels as defined in Regulation (EU) 2023/2405 (ReFuelEU Aviation), by granting free EU ETS allowances to commercial aircraft operators using such fuels on eligible flights.