The Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) has issued a request for proposals (RFP) to increase the supply of next-generation sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The initiative aims to support long-term growth in SAF production, focusing on power-to-liquids and bio-based feedstocks with fewer resource constraints. This first-of-its-kind procurement seeks to channel investments toward scalable fuels, enabling the aviation industry to decarbonize more effectively over time.
SABA’s membership includes over 35 companies across sectors such as finance, technology, media, entertainment, and consulting. These firms are seeking to reduce their aviation emissions through investments in sustainable fuels. The RFP will facilitate 5- to 10-year forward purchase commitments, helping to support the final investment decision (FID) for new SAF production facilities.
Kim Carnahan, CEO of the Center for Green Market Activation and SABA Secretariat head, emphasized that while SAF demand is growing rapidly, many of the necessary technologies remain in early development. She highlighted the importance of immediate investment to scale these innovations beyond 2030 and achieve long-term net-zero goals for aviation.
Although SAF currently accounts for less than 1% of total aviation fuel, it is the best short-term solution to reduce emissions. Most existing SAF is made from traditional feedstocks like waste oils, which face scalability limits. Advanced SAF derived from renewable hydrogen, agriculture residues, and waste streams has limited market share but offers greater potential for growth. Without targeted investment now, these fuels may not be available at the necessary scale.
SABA is working with corporate partners to stimulate demand for advanced SAF through a book-and-claim model. This allows companies to purchase SAF certificates (SAFc), enabling emission reduction claims without direct fuel flow to their aircraft. Bryan Fisher of RMI explained that this model helps bridge industry ambitions and real-world production, accelerating innovation and supply.
