Can SAF Procurement Decarbonise Aviation at AMEX GBT?

Air travel accounts for about 2% of global CO₂ emissions, and procurement professionals are increasingly tasked with addressing this challenge through strategic purchasing decisions.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is rapidly emerging as the most viable pathway for reducing aviation's carbon footprint, presenting both opportunities and complexities for corporate buyers.

According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030 SAF is expected to reach 17 million tonnes per annum (Mt/a), representing 4-5% of total jet fuel consumption.

American Express Global Business Travel (AMEX GBT) has released its first SAF index, providing an overview of the company's SAF landscape and corporate considerations.

Understanding how SAF is produced, funded and adopted can be key for procurement teams evaluating supplier strategies and making informed purchasing decisions that could accelerate its impact on global emissions.

For procurement professionals managing travel programmes, SAF is currently considered the leading solution for reducing emissions in aviation, largely because it can be integrated into existing fuel systems without requiring major infrastructure changes. The industry is still evolving, but momentum is building as stakeholders across the value chain contribute to its development.

Governments are setting regulatory frameworks, while private sector players are helping drive demand through procurement and investment. According to AMEX GBT, corporate travel programmes are expected to play a significant role, potentially accounting for up to half of global SAF demand by 2030. This growing demand is crucial because it signals market confidence and encourages further production and innovation.

"Today, I am thrilled to announce the release of the Amex GBT Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Index 2026 - a comprehensive guide to the evolving SAF landscape and what it means for corporate travel programmes," says Elizabeth Rolfes, Sustainability Analyst at AMEX GBT, on LinkedIn:

"SAF is the most viable decarbonisation pathway for aviation today. With volatile energy prices, alternative fuels such as SAF can also help promote energy independence, security and resilience. Corporate travel programmes are positioned to help drive the voluntary SAF procurement market."

As more organisations commit to decarbonising business travel, procurement teams are positioning SAF adoption as a central component of sustainability purchasing strategies.

Evaluating SAF production methods

Procurement professionals evaluating SAF suppliers should understand the four main types of SAF, each defined by the technology and feedstocks used in production:

• Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA)
• Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ)
• Gasification with Fischer-Tropsch (FT)
• Power-to-Liquid (PtL)

Among these, HEFA is currently the only type produced at commercial scale, using feedstocks such as waste oils and fats, says AMEX GBT. Other technologies rely on materials like ethanol, biomass or captured CO₂ and are expected to become more widely available by 2030.

According to the Index, production capacity has grown rapidly, increasing 24 times since 2021 and reaching approximately 634 million gallons in 2025. Despite this progress, "since 2021, SAF production is estimated to have made up 0.6% of global jet fuel consumption in 2025," says AMEX GBT.

This limited supply presents procurement challenges, particularly around securing reliable volumes and managing supplier relationships in an emerging market. Understanding the production landscape enables procurement teams to make informed decisions about supplier capabilities and long-term partnerships.

Cost considerations for buyers

According to the Index, "SAF is two to 10 times more expensive than fossil jet fuel." This price gap makes corporate investment especially important, as voluntary procurement helps bridge the financial difference and supports market development.

When companies purchase SAF, they not only reduce their own emissions but also send a strong economic signal that encourages further investment in production capacity. This demand-driven approach helps de-risk the industry and accelerates its growth.

For procurement teams, this means balancing immediate cost pressures against long-term strategic benefits and sustainability commitments. Additionally, SAF procurement can contribute to emissions reductions across multiple categories, including direct operations and business travel.

"In 2024, the US Department of Energy estimated 2030 global SAF demand would range from 1.8-6.2 billion gallons per year," says the AMEX GBT SAF Index. "One year later, this research finds 2030 estimates of 5.1-7.0 billion gallons per year (BGPY), which is a positive sign that momentum is continuing."

This increasing demand projection signals to procurement professionals that early supplier engagement and strategic partnerships may be valuable for securing future supply.

Policy frameworks affecting procurement

Government policies can play a pivotal role in scaling SAF adoption, with mandates and incentives covering approximately 75% of global jet fuel use. Mandates require a certain percentage of SAF to be blended into traditional fuel supplies, while incentives such as tax credits help offset production costs.

The Index highlights that several regions have already implemented or announced SAF blending requirements, including targets that increase over time to drive long-term adoption. These policies not only stimulate demand but also encourage innovation and infrastructure development.

For procurement professionals, understanding these regional policy differences is crucial when evaluating travel suppliers and negotiating contracts. Policy frameworks create both opportunities and obligations that directly impact procurement strategies and supplier selection criteria.

"We've invested in United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund and signed the World Economic Forum's Clean Skies for Tomorrow ambition statement to power global aviation with 10% SAF by 2030," says AMEX GBT. At the same time, global collaboration and advocacy are helping to align stakeholders and accelerate progress.

As both policy frameworks and corporate commitments strengthen, procurement teams are increasingly expected to evaluate SAF capabilities when selecting travel management partners, making it a viable and scalable consideration for sustainable aviation purchasing decisions.