Airbus is introducing a new “Book and Claim” system designed to increase the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) globally. This initiative aims to boost both the supply and demand for SAF by making it more accessible to operators, even those located far from supply points. The program, scheduled to run throughout 2025, is expected to simplify the SAF procurement process and encourage wider industry participation.
The Book and Claim system offers a flexible solution for operators seeking to reduce their carbon footprint with SAF, even if they cannot access the fuel directly. With this approach, buyers can “book” a specific amount of SAF and “claim” the corresponding emission reduction, regardless of where the fuel is physically used. This mechanism allows operators to benefit from the sustainability credits linked to SAF without logistical constraints.
To facilitate the process, Airbus will purchase SAF certificates and manage the sustainability attributes through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) registry, a recognized certification body. The company will then resell the certificates to interested customers, such as aircraft and helicopter operators. This financial model is expected to drive short-term demand for SAF by making it easier for smaller operators to participate.
Industry Collaboration to Boost SAF Adoption
Airbus is partnering with several companies to strengthen the program’s reach. SMBC Aviation Capital was the first to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), with AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment, and SAF Aerogroup joining the initiative. Their involvement reflects growing industry support for the widespread adoption of SAF.
The pilot program will allow Airbus to evaluate the effectiveness of the Book and Claim model. It will also provide insights into the system’s scalability and market interest in third-party facilitation of SAF solutions.
Aiming for Broader SAF Accessibility
“Supporting the SAF Book and Claim mechanism is an immediate solution contributing to the emergence and scale-up of the global SAF market. 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 derisk the process for operators and SAF suppliers, by financially securing SAF certificates upfront and sharing them when customers need them. This is also a great opportunity to demonstrate Book and Claim is reliable and that its usage should be extended in voluntary and regulatory markets,” said Julien Manhes, Airbus Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Carbon Dioxide Removals.
With this initiative, Airbus aims to make SAF more accessible by removing geographical and logistical barriers. By streamlining the certification and purchasing process, the company seeks to encourage broader participation, supporting sustainability efforts across the sector.
