Author: Daniela Flierl

HOW IMPORTANT IS SAF FOR REACHING CO2 REDUCTION GOALS?

SAF is a centrepiece of AirGO CO2 reduction measures, as we are already able to offset flights with up to 100% SAF. But SAF is associated with additional cost while on the other hand, there are very effective possibilities that not only reduce CO2 directly, but also save costs:

Firstly, the choice of an efficient fuel-saving aircraft (that can cut fuel in a half).
Secondly, at operational level, reducing flight time by asking shortcuts and short approaches.
And finally avoiding empty legs as much as possible is very effective and saves today about 25% of fuel for a one-way flight but we could reach already up to 38%.
Managing the flight schedule and charter sales to avoid empty flights is the main job of our sales team today and an immediate win-win-win situation:

! Decreasing price for customers

! Increasing yield for the aircraft and

! Reducing CO2

HOW TO CONVINCE CUSTOMERS OF SAF OFFSET ?

It is about showing a clear path of SAF implementation. Because there is still a lot of confusion about it. People have become tired of listening to constant reproaches and often doubt which measures make sense to reduce CO2: not only about flying but in the general discussion in our daily lifes. Travel is just a part of it.

In the business aviation sector, SAF needs to become standard for all operators. To avoid unfair or complicated price comparisons the best is to apply the same minimum SAF extent.

Every AirGO offer shows the price including 20% SAF offset and the basic price with fossil fuel. Therefore, the client can understand the price difference and that a small difference in price like approx 2% of the total cost allows an important offset of 20% SAF, that equals about 120€ per hour. But since a large number of flights are booked via brokers (and they are in competition too) SAF becomes rather part of the price negotiation than a service or product belonging to a flight… like Landing and Handling Fees: the “Landing Fee” compares to the basic “Fossil Fuel” and the service of the “Handling” to the ESG compliance via “SAF”.

We believe a basic industry standard of a little price increase is acceptable by the passengers. The challenge is how to get all operators on the same page.

ARE THERE MORE CLIENTS DUE TO PROVIDING SAF AND CO2 REDUCING OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES

There are more loyal clients. What we can see is the interest by aircraft owners in an efficient aircraft and the possibility to fulfil their future ESG demands. We expect the charter clients to follow due to the implementation of mandatory ESG reporting for bigger European companies. Book and claim systems can make SAF more widespread and supply chains more sustainable, as even small amounts can be purchased all over the world, while SAF can be delivered close to the production location, thereby reducing transport emissions. However, the industry is still working on a clear procedure to provide and retire SAF certificates with the purchaser for the reporting in future mandatory ESG reports.