UK Government Stands By Green Jet Fuel Law Amid Debate Over Who’ll Pay

The UK Government launched a new law this month requiring airlines to use greener jet fuel. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) must make up at least 2% of the fuel in the tanks of planes flying to and from the UK.

While many airlines already use the fuel, the mandate came into force last week, which means all airlines operating in the UK should now have some SAF in the tank.

This requirement will increase to 10% in 2030 and 22% in 2040 and the UK is one of the first countries to sign such a mandate into law. 

However, the move has sparked debate amongst politicians and groups that lobby against climate policies about who is going to pay for the extra cost of the fuel, which is more expensive to produce. 

One group made up of current and former politicians, the Net Zero Scrutiny Group, called the policy a “flight tax,” and warned families to “travel while they can.”