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European airlines call for suspension of synthetic fuel mandate

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on March 19, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: April 1, 2026

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European airlines call for suspension of synthetic fuel mandate
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BRUSSELS, March 19 (Reuters) - European airlines on Thursday urged the European Union to postpone new rules that would force airlines to use a certain amount of synthetic green jet fuel, or eSAF, from

European Airlines Request Postponement of EU Synthetic Jet Fuel Mandate

Airlines Seek Delay of eSAF Requirements Amid Availability Concerns

BRUSSELS, March 19 (Reuters) - European airlines on Thursday urged the European Union to postpone new rules that would force airlines to use a certain amount of synthetic green jet fuel, or eSAF, from 2030.

Industry Leaders Voice Concerns

"We are calling for the eSAF mandate to be postponed until eSAF is actually available," easyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis told a news conference. Reuters earlier reported the move, which follows in the footsteps of the car industry.

Background and Reporting

(Reporting by Joanna Plucinska and Tim Hepher; Editing by Alison Williams)

Key Takeaways

  • The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates 1.2% eSAF from 2030, rising to 35% by 2050, but no large‑scale projects have reached investment stage yet, casting doubt on feasibility. (easa.europa.eu)
  • Airlines warn that SAF currently costs significantly more than fossil jet fuel, supply is limited, and meeting enforced quotas could undermine financial viability and EU carriers’ competitiveness. (reccessary.com)
  • Fuel suppliers won’t face penalties for missing upcoming eSAF supply mandates, indicating EU recognition of current market limitations—but airlines still call for delaying mandates until availability improves. (eenews.net)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the synthetic fuel mandate for European airlines?
The mandate requires airlines to use a specific amount of synthetic green jet fuel, known as eSAF, starting from 2030.
Why are airlines calling for the suspension of the eSAF mandate?
Airlines say the mandate should be postponed until synthetic fuels are actually available in sufficient quantities.
Who is representing the airlines' position on the synthetic fuel mandate?
EasyJet CEO Kenton Jarvis has voiced the industry's call for postponement at a news conference.
When was the call for postponement announced?
The call was made public in Brussels on March 19.

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