As airlines invest in greener alternatives and sustainability targets draw closer, businesses are facing a new question: Is sustainable aviation fuel really the answer to reducing the environmental impact of corporate travel?
Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration for businesses across the world. From reducing carbon emissions to choosing environmentally responsible suppliers, companies are under growing pressure to make greener decisions.
For businesses that rely on international travel, however, the challenge is particularly complicated. Face-to-face meetings, conferences and overseas business relationships remain important, but how can organisations continue travelling while reducing their environmental impact?
One solution receiving considerable attention in 2026 is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
What exactly is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is an alternative to traditional fossil-based jet fuel, produced using sources such as waste oils, certain agricultural residues and synthetic processes.
Unlike conventional aviation fuel, SAF can deliver substantial reductions in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, depending on how it is produced.
Importantly, SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft, making it one of the more practical options currently available for reducing aviation’s environmental impact.
But there is a catch.
The cost of going green
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global SAF production is expected to account for just 0.8% of aviation fuel consumption in 2026.
Meanwhile, SAF remains approximately two to three times more expensive than conventional jet fuel.
This creates a difficult situation for airlines and businesses alike.
Airlines need to invest in more sustainable operations, but the additional costs must be absorbed somewhere. For corporate travellers already facing rising airfares and tighter budgets, paying more for greener flights may not always be straightforward.
However, there are encouraging developments.
In September 2026, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency reported that SAF represented approximately 2.8% of aviation fuel supplied at EU airports in 2025, exceeding the initial mandatory target of 2%.
It’s progress, certainly. But with aviation’s long-term sustainability ambitions still some distance away, there is much more work to be done.
Are businesses paying for genuine change?
One of the biggest questions surrounding sustainable aviation is how companies can distinguish meaningful environmental progress from clever marketing.
Some airlines offer corporate customers the opportunity to contribute towards SAF purchases, even when the fuel is not physically used on their particular flight.
These arrangements can help support demand and investment in sustainable fuels, but they also raise questions about transparency, emissions accounting and how environmental benefits are claimed.
For businesses, it’s important to understand exactly what they’re purchasing and whether the environmental claims are supported by credible evidence.
After all, sustainability should be about measurable improvements, not simply ticking a box.
What can businesses do right now?
Although SAF could play an important role in aviation’s future, businesses don’t need to wait for new technologies to make more sustainable travel decisions.
Small changes to corporate travel policies can already make a difference:
- Travel with purpose: Consider whether a journey is necessary or whether a virtual meeting could achieve the same outcome.
- Choose direct flights where practical: Avoiding unnecessary connections can help reduce journey-related emissions.
- Consider rail alternatives: For suitable shorter journeys, travelling by train can offer a lower-emission option.
- Combine business meetings: Planning multiple appointments during one trip can reduce the need for repeat travel.
- Review travel suppliers: Look beyond sustainability statements and consider the evidence behind airlines’ and hotels’ environmental commitments.
The objective isn’t necessarily to stop travelling. It’s to make every journey count.
The future of sustainable business travel
The aviation industry is undoubtedly making progress, but sustainable travel isn’t something that can be achieved overnight.
SAF production needs to increase significantly, costs must become more competitive, and businesses need clearer information about the environmental impact of their travel choices.
At Principal Business Travel, we believe that responsible business travel starts with informed decisions.
Whether that’s exploring alternative transport, planning more efficient itineraries or helping businesses balance cost, convenience and environmental considerations, thoughtful travel management can make a meaningful difference.
The question isn’t simply whether businesses can afford to travel more sustainably. It’s whether they can afford to ignore sustainability when planning their future travel.
Because better business travel isn’t just about getting there. It’s about considering the impact of the journey along the way.
