Airport extensions like El Prat in Barcelona and debates about downsizing or reconfiguring routes at Schiphol in Amsterdam have moved into public discussion. The climate crisis has shifted positions. Some advocate zero growth or rearranged routes, while others push for innovations that enable more sustainable air travel.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a practical alternative to fossil fuels in decarbonizing air transport. A PwC report, prepared for Catalonia, highlights industrial opportunities to produce SAF locally, supporting a regional push to set up facilities that integrate with existing aviation networks and simplify bureaucratic procedures for industry players.
Two planes, four routes, and a growing impact
The airline leadership emphasized ambitions that began with two planes and four routes and have scaled to moving millions of travelers. In the context of a global holding company, the business underlines its commitment to environmental benchmarks beyond European Union criteria. The goal remains clear: reduce carbon footprint without sacrificing activity. Strategies include selective routing and a stronger focus on sustainable fuels derived from forest residues, food scraps, and other biomass, such as olive pits.
Airline executives argue that sustainable fuels offer a path forward even as current usage remains limited due to higher costs. The shift toward SAF is framed as a mechanism to lower emissions while preserving service levels, with the industry transitioning gradually rather than precipitously.
No need to overhaul flights to start
Advocates say synthetic fuels can be introduced progressively, blending with existing fleets and infrastructures. The question remains why adoption hasn’t accelerated; the answer cited is limited availability and price — SAF can cost three to five times what conventional fuels do. Still, proponents insist the market is moving toward broader uptake as technology matures and production expands.
The industrial landscape in Catalonia hinges on tapping vast stocks of forest and organic waste to produce SAF. Industry leaders call on the Catalan administration to create a streamlined legal framework, accessible funding, and agile administrative processes to accelerate project realization.
There is no euro in Catalonia, yet potential abounds
The discussion notes that while investment commitments exist from major groups, the region still faces a gap in financing and a lack of clear legislation. SAF development will require coordinated policy, financing, and regulatory tools to move from plans to action. A PwC representative described Catalonia as a crucial hub for Southern Europe travel, with El Prat playing a pivotal role in regional economic activity.
The consultant added that achieving zero emissions by 2050 will require a suite of steps. Long-haul flights contribute the most to emissions, and while efficiency improvements help, SAF is a key lever for meaningful reductions over time. Estimates suggest significant emissions reductions could come from SAF weight shares in future fleets.
PURE solution and a spectrum of SAF options
Experts discuss SAF pathways that include biomass, vegetable oils, hydrogen, agricultural waste, and captured carbon. SAF is produced, refined, and blended to meet aviation fuel standards, enabling use in current aircraft. The industry views SAF as essential for short- and medium-term decarbonization, with multiple formulations offering varying maturity levels and readiness for scale.
Leveraging existing waste for fuel
PwC outlines how Catalonia’s waste streams could support SAF production and the construction of several facilities aligned with regional renewable energy investments. The project timeline envisions early plant start-ups in 2025, with a five-year horizon for full construction and operation. The direct, indirect, and induced economic impacts are sizable, potentially creating thousands of jobs and becoming a cornerstone of a new regional industry.
Public-private cooperation as a catalyst
Industry and policy experts stress that aviation accounts for a relatively small slice of global emissions, yet its growth trajectory means it should play a meaningful role in climate strategy. Public-private collaboration, supported by European funding, is presented as a practical path to accelerate SAF development. Some industry voices acknowledge the need for broader participation from business groups, while emphasizing the value of sustainability in corporate culture and long-term planning.
In closing, the dialogue calls for a pragmatic approach: align policy, finance, and administration to unlock SAF potential, while ensuring a stable and competitive aviation sector that can meet the region’s travel needs without compromising environmental commitments.