As the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a pivotal component in the pathway to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF could contribute up to 65% of the emissions reductions required to meet this goal. Its primary advantage lies in its compatibility with current aircraft and fuel infrastructure, making it a practical near-term solution. However, despite growing global momentum, the widespread adoption of SAF is hindered by high production costs, limited infrastructure, and inconsistent policy support. This paper categorizes global SAF policy efforts into three main types: (i) binding mandates, (ii) non-binding policy announcements, and (iii) industry reports and projections. While these initiatives reflect a broad commitment to SAF development, the sector still faces critical barriers, including a fragmented global policy landscape, a substantial gap between projected demand and actual supply, and underdeveloped production capacity in many regions. To fully unlock SAF’s potential, it will be essential to accelerate investment, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and foster global coordination. Without these measures, SAF will struggle to deliver on its promise to be a cornerstone of aviation’s decarbonization strategy.
