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Key Points:
- Airbus launches a Book and Claim pilot programme to scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use worldwide.
- The initiative allows customers to claim the environmental benefits of SAF regardless of where it is physically used.
- Airbus will manage SAF certificates via the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB).
- Early adopters include SMBC Aviation Capital, AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment, and SAF Aerogroup.
- The programme lowers access barriers for small operators and supports demand generation.
In a bold push to accelerate the global use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), Airbus has introduced a Book and Claim pilot programme that aims to decouple physical SAF delivery from its environmental benefits. Announced on March 25, 2025, the initiative is designed to overcome logistical barriers and bring SAF access to operators who would otherwise be out of reach—geographically or financially.
What Is Book and Claim—and Why It Matters
The Book and Claim system enables buyers to “book” a volume of SAF and “claim” the associated emissions reductions, even if the physical SAF is used elsewhere. This model is particularly impactful for operators who lack access to SAF supply points but still want to contribute to decarbonizing aviation.
Airbus’ program, which will run throughout 2025, establishes a new framework where SAF certificates are purchased, validated, and redistributed through Airbus to interested customers. Certification will be managed through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a globally recognized sustainability registry.
Industry Buy-In Is Already Underway
The pilot has already attracted early interest. SMBC Aviation Capital was the first to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU), followed by AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment, and SAF Aerogroup—all expressing intent to participate in this collaborative effort.
This growing list of stakeholders signals a strong industry appetite for alternative SAF access models. It also reinforces the idea that short-term progress on aviation emissions requires flexible, market-driven mechanisms—especially for smaller operators and less-connected regions.
De-Risking SAF Investment for Operators
Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and CO₂ Removals at Airbus, emphasized that Book and Claim is a practical, immediate solution:
“For a lot of smaller operators, getting access to SAF can be challenging depending on the amount of SAF needed. Through this initiative, Airbus can simplify and de-risk the process… by financially securing SAF certificates upfront and sharing them when customers need them.”
This approach not only simplifies SAF procurement but also stimulates market demand by creating a clearer, certified link between SAF use and emissions reduction—even without direct fuel delivery.
What’s Next: Testing the Market, Shaping the Future
The pilot programme aims to evaluate the robustness of the Book and Claim mechanism, test real-world use cases, and better understand the potential for third-party facilitation. Airbus hopes the results will support broader adoption—both voluntarily and in future regulatory frameworks.
Airbus’ Book and Claim initiative is more than a workaround—it’s a scalable strategy to mainstream SAF in aviation. As SAF production struggles to meet growing demand and infrastructure gaps persist, this model could become a cornerstone of how the industry bridges that gap in the coming decade.
For operators seeking to decarbonize without waiting for global SAF infrastructure to catch up, Airbus may have just opened the door.