
London – Heathrow has announced a significant expansion of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentive scheme, targeting 3% SAF use in 2025, with £86 million available to support airlines. This initiative aligns with Heathrow’s commitment to lead on SAF usage in the UK, going beyond the recently enacted UK SAF mandate.
SAF, derived from waste feedstocks like used cooking oil, reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by 70% on average compared to fossil-based kerosene. The 2025 incentive scheme aims to bridge the price gap between kerosene and SAF, making the alternative fuel more affordable for airlines. Heathrow estimates the initiative will save over 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions in 2025—equivalent to 800,000 economy-class passenger round trips between Heathrow and JFK.
“Sustainable Aviation Fuel is no longer a future promise—it’s a proven solution that is powering flights worldwide.”
— Matt Gorman, Director of Carbon Strategy
Leadership in SAF Adoption
Heathrow continues to lead the UK’s aviation sector on SAF integration. The airport’s goal to exceed the UK’s SAF mandate by 1% is a key part of its broader sustainability efforts, which include achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Matt Gorman, Heathrow’s Director of Carbon Strategy, emphasized the importance of long-term incentives to build a domestic SAF industry:
“Sustainable Aviation Fuel is no longer a future promise—it’s a proven solution that is powering flights worldwide. Our SAF incentive scheme has made significant progress, and we are now exploring options to set a long-term incentive signal to 2030.”
Broader Sustainability Initiatives
Heathrow’s environmental efforts extend beyond SAF adoption. The airport has published a ‘Nature Positive Plan,’ which commits to:
- Utilizing nature-based solutions for airport challenges.
- Expanding ecological networks around the airport.
- Supporting nature-based carbon removal projects.
- Committing to the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) recommendations.
In addition, Heathrow has updated its sustainability strategy, ‘Connecting People and Planet’ (Heathrow 2.0), incorporating ambitious goals for noise reduction, air quality improvement, and community support.
Looking Ahead
Heathrow’s enhanced SAF scheme and sustainability plans demonstrate its commitment to aligning with national and global decarbonization targets. By incentivizing airlines and investing in innovative solutions, Heathrow aims to reduce emissions and lead the aviation industry’s green transition.