Airlines have pledged net zero emissions by 2050, but sustainable aviation fuel production remains below 1 percent of global jet fuel use in 2026. High capital costs, feedstock limits, and uncertain policy are stalling new SAF plants. Meanwhile, carbon markets like CORSIA face criticism over offset integrity and low credit prices, which weaken the incentive for airlines to switch away from fossil fuels. Policy mismatches across regions add to the problem. Europe and the UK have blending mandates, while the US relies on tax credits with expiry dates. This patchwork creates uneven investment signals. Analysts warn that without coordinated rules on SAF accounting and carbon credit quality, the aviation sector's net zero target will remain out of reach.
