Sustainable aviation fuel is getting a major push forward thanks to a new initiative by Airbus, which has launched a “Book and Claim” system to make SAF more accessible and scalable.
Through this model, Airbus aims to overcome existing challenges that limit the adoption of sustainable fuels, especially for smaller operators and those located far from SAF supply points.
The Book and Claim approach allows buyers to “book” a specific amount of SAF and “claim” the related emissions reductions, even if the physical fuel is used elsewhere. This system separates the sustainability benefits from the actual delivery of fuel, creating flexibility and opening the door for wider use of SAF across the aviation sector.
As part of a year-long pilot program running throughout 2025, Airbus will act as a facilitator by purchasing SAF certificates and managing them through the registry of the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), a recognized certification body. These sustainability attributes will then be resold to interested customers—ranging from aircraft to helicopter operators—helping to create short-term demand for SAF and support long-term growth.
SMBC Aviation Capital was the first company to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to support this program. Other key partners who have since confirmed their interest include AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment, and SAF Aerogroup. Their participation reflects a growing commitment across the aviation industry to scale SAF adoption through innovative and collaborative models.
The pilot is expected to generate valuable insights into the operational capacity and effectiveness of the Book and Claim system. Airbus will use these findings to explore the potential for third-party facilitation of similar SAF solutions and gauge broader market interest.
By enabling companies to financially support SAF production and usage—even when physical access is limited—the Book and Claim method lowers the barrier to entry for operators of all sizes. This is particularly significant for smaller carriers and private aviation firms that often face logistical or economic hurdles in securing SAF for direct use.
Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Carbon Dioxide Removals at Airbus, emphasized that this system is designed to simplify and derisk the process. By purchasing certificates upfront and distributing them when needed, Airbus aims to make SAF more viable and attractive for a broader group of stakeholders. Manhes also noted the opportunity to prove that Book and Claim is both reliable and scalable, paving the way for its adoption in both voluntary and regulatory frameworks.
This move by Airbus marks a step forward in the effort to make aviation more environmentally responsible. SAF has long been seen as one of the most promising tools to cut carbon emissions in flight, but limited supply and complex logistics have slowed progress. By decoupling sustainability benefits from fuel logistics, Airbus’s system offers a practical workaround that can help bridge the gap between current demand and future capacity.
While this pilot program is still in its early stages, its success could signal a turning point for green aviation. If the system proves reliable, it could become a cornerstone of sustainable strategies in the sector, especially as pressure mounts on the aviation industry to reduce its climate impact.
For now, the Book and Claim pilot offers a glimpse into a more inclusive and scalable future for sustainable fuel—one where geography and infrastructure no longer stand in the way of meaningful environmental action.
Photo credit: Airbus SAS 2024
