Airbus has published an overview of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel landscape across Asia-Pacific, framing the region as the most consequential growth market for both aviation and SAF production over the coming decades.
Home to 60% of the world’s population, Asia-Pacific experienced the fastest passenger growth in 2025 and is projected to double its passenger numbers by 2043. IATA forecasts the region will produce 40% of global SAF supply by 2050.
A Wave of Mandates and Incentives
- Singapore — SAF levy from October 2026 supporting a 1% blending target
- Japan — 10% SAF target by 2030
- South Korea — 1% mandate from 2027, rising to 10% by 2035
- Thailand — SAF mandate under finalisation
- Australia — AUD 1.1 billion committed in production incentives
- Indonesia — Proposed 1% blend by 2027
The combination of mandates and direct financial incentives — particularly Australia’s billion-dollar commitment — suggests governments are learning that mandates alone do not guarantee supply.
Asia-Pacific is forecast to produce 40% of the world’s SAF by 2050, as governments from Singapore to Australia introduce mandates, levies, and billion-dollar production incentives.
Airbus’s Regional Partnerships
Airbus has positioned itself as an active catalyst through a series of SAF-focused partnerships: MOUs with CP Group (Thailand), Pertamina (Indonesia), and CNAF (China); a USD 200 million co-investment with Qantas to support Australian biofuels, resulting in investments in Jet Zero Australia and Climate Tech Partners; and a joint investment of up to USD 70 million with Cathay Group announced in October 2025.
Hydrogen on the Horizon
Beyond SAF, regional airports are beginning to explore hydrogen infrastructure. Singapore’s Changi Airport and Japan’s Kansai Airports have joined the Hydrogen Hubs at Airports network, signalling longer-term decarbonisation planning alongside near-term SAF adoption.
