European aviation stakeholders have united behind a new initiative to accelerate the production and adoption of e-SAF as a critical pathway to decarbonise the aviation sector. The Bodø e-SAF Declaration, signed by 22 organisations from across the aviation value chain, outlines concrete actions to overcome barriers to widespread e-SAF deployment.
Signatories include airlines like Norwegian Air Shuttle and SAS, logistics providers such as DHL, manufacturers like Deutsche Aircraft, as well as fuel producers, technology providers, and environmental organisations including Transport & Environment.
The declaration, which complements the Project SkyPower letter sent to the European Commission in February 2025, emphasises the urgent need for action in the aviation sector, which already contributes over 5% of total climate impact when including non-CO2 effects.
“Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise, and with its expected growth path until 2050, sustainable aviation fuel represents our most immediate and effective pathway to reducing emissions,” according to the declaration. “E-SAF in particular offers scalability beyond many biogenic alternatives.”
The signatories have committed to several key actions, including:
- Supporting regulatory stability through 2050 to provide certainty for investors
- Advocating for e-SAF projects to receive the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) seal
- Establishing a European “book & claim” system to optimise economics and accelerate e-SAF production
- Breaking down silos between sectors and borders through knowledge sharing
- Supporting efforts toward 100% SAF use, including zero-aromatic fuels to reduce non-CO2 impacts
- Streamlining EU funding mechanisms to accelerate e-SAF deployment
- Annual reporting on e-SAF targets, production, and progress
The choice of Bodø in Northern Norway as the location for this declaration highlights the importance of air connectivity for remote regions, where alternatives to air travel are limited.
“By gathering in this region, we want to highlight that e-SAF is paramount to ensure that the aviation industry can continue to connect people, no matter how far and remote they may live,” states the declaration.
The initiative is expected to play a significant role in helping the European aviation sector meet its climate goals while maintaining its vital economic and societal functions.
