The Department for Transport (DfT) has committed to introducing a revenue certainty mechanism to support sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the UK and boost its uptake, giving producers greater assurance about earnings from the SAF they produce.

According to an official statement, the UK government recognises the importance of providing long-term certainty for the industry. This scheme, along with the introduction of a SAF mandate in 2025, will provide fuel security, grow the economy and help to create over 10,000 jobs by 2030, rising to 60,000 by 2050.

To do this, DfT will launch a consultation on the design and delivery of the scheme to bolster the development of SAF and drive further investment. The revenue certainty scheme, which is intended to be funded by industry, will give the aviation sector the launchpad to confidently invest in SAF and transition away from fossil fuel reliance.

Aviation and Maritime Minister Baroness Vere said that "not only will sustainable aviation fuel bring countless economic opportunities, including creating thousands of green jobs, this certainty will allow the industry to harness its full potential, bringing us closer to net zero flying. This commitment is an important step to create cleaner and greener aviation in the UK and will cement our position as a global leader in innovation, creating a new talented workforce that champions decarbonisation and pave the way for future air travel.

The government has already shown its commitment?through its £165 million Advanced Fuel Fund, which is already providing investors with reassurance in UK SAF, as well as supporting crucial scientific research and co-investing in innovative aerospace technology through over £600 million funding committed to the Aerospace Technology Institute to support the industry transition to net zero. Considering options for additional revenue certainty will further support the development and production of SAF and bring the UK a step closer to achieving Jet Zero.

A delivery plan for how this mechanism can be delivered by the end of 2026 has also been published, building on the work by the Jet Zero Council to consider the best way to support the aviation industry to decarbonise.