Brussels, Belgium: In a groundbreaking move to combat climate change and accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Belgium’s largest airport, Brussels Airport, has unveiled a unique premium incentive program for airlines departing from its runways in 2024.
The Federal Government has pledged financial support, covering up to 80% of the price difference between SAF and traditional aviation fuel, which is three times more expensive.
The ambitious initiative aims to tackle emissions head-on, supporting airlines – both passenger and cargo, long- and short-haul – in making the transition to SAF.
The sustainable aviation fuel, derived from sources like used oils, animal waste, and sugars, can be blended with traditional paraffin in varying proportions, up to 50%.
Not only does SAF promise a significant reduction of up to 65% in carbon emissions compared to conventional aviation fuel, but it also offers the advantage of requiring no infrastructure upgrades.
Earlier this year, Brussels Airport became the first in Belgium to be fully supplied with SAF. However, the usage of this environmentally friendly fuel currently accounts for just 0.2% of global fuel consumption.
The primary impediment to wider adoption has been the substantial cost difference. To address this challenge, Belgium’s Federal Government is allocating €2 million as part of a support mechanism, ensuring airlines receive a one-time premium to encourage the use of SAF in 2024.
Airlines operating at Brussels Airport can submit their first-quarter orders by January 31, with a maximum premium of €200,000 available per airline.
This financial boost aims to make SAF more economically viable for airlines, aligning with the broader objective of achieving climate-neutral flying by 2050.
The move is particularly significant as alternatives like electric and hydrogen technologies for aircraft are not yet ready for widespread use.
Georges Gilkinet, Minister of Mobility, emphasized the urgency of adopting all available means to reduce the aviation sector’s ecological footprint.
“Thanks to this unique support mechanism, next year we will encourage companies to opt for SAF rather than fossil fuel: this is one concrete way, among others, of testing this means of reducing CO2 emissions in the aviation sector on a large scale,” he stated.
While the initiative’s goals are commendable, concerns have been raised within the aviation industry. Notably, the availability of SAF in the market remains challenging, and airlines are apprehensive about its limited accessibility.
Furthermore, some industry players express reservations about the exclusive nature of the aid, which is currently offered only to airlines operating at Brussels Airport, excluding those at other airports in Belgium.
As the aviation sector grapples with the imperative to reduce its carbon footprint, the Belgian initiative represents a crucial step toward fostering the widespread adoption of sustainable aviation practices.
The premium incentives serve as a practical solution to overcome the economic hurdles hindering the transition to SAF, showcasing Belgium’s commitment to being at the forefront of sustainable aviation.
The success of this program may set a precedent for similar initiatives globally, prompting other countries and airports to explore innovative ways to incentivize the aviation industry to embrace sustainable alternatives.
As the world looks towards a future with cleaner and greener aviation, the collaboration between Brussels Airport and the Federal Government stands as a testament to the proactive measures required to address the challenges posed by climate change in the aviation sector.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
