One could say that the formula to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuel is one that would require not only stakeholder involvement but also regulatory and government support, and in Belgium, Brussels Airport is making a head start by offering a SAF incentive for both passenger and cargo airlines, thanks to federal government support,

This year Brussels Airport Company will be granting a special financial contribution to promote SAF use, considered one of the lowest hanging fruits that would support the air transport industry’s decarbonization efforts. The airport operator plans to use part of the two million euros subsidy awarded in April 2022 by the federal government to finance projects designed to make the aviation industry more sustainable.

Whilst airlines have expressed interest in switching to this type of fuel, according to the airport, higher costs, mainly due to higher raw materials, production cost, and infrastructure like refineries, have been the main obstacle.

With this, Brussels Airport will provide SAF incentive of up to 200,000 euros per airline for both short-haul and long-haul flights departing from the air hub, in 2024. This amount would cover up to 80 percent of the additional cost compared to using ordinary fossil fuel.

“Decarbonisation is a major objective, which we can pursue through various means,” said Georges Gilkinet, minister of mobility.

“That is why Belgium has also introduced, at my initiative, a new system of variable charges of air traffic control skeyes for airlines, designed to encourage greener and quieter aviation.”

“As an airport, within the framework of our European Stargate programme, we have expressed the ambition to aim for 5% SAF on total kerosene use by airlines at Brussels Airport by 2026,” commented Arnaud Feist, CEO of Brussels Airport Company.

“That is faster than the European target, but we want to fully commit to this together with our airline partners.”