Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) can reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle, compared to conventional jet fuel. This estimate comes from the International Air Transport Association (Iata) and considers everything from raw material sourcing to fuel use in aircraft. This reduction potential positions SAF among the main alternatives for mitigating the climate impact of air transport.
Brazil has established targets to gradually reduce greenhouse gas emissions in domestic air operations. This measure is part of the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program (ProBioQAV), created by the Future Fuel Law of 2024, and regulated in August 2026 by the Government of Brazil, with the participation of the Ministries of Ports and Airports and Mines and Energy.
Starting in January 2027, air operators covered by the rules must achieve a minimum 1% reduction in emissions compared to the volume that would be generated with the exclusive use of fossil fuel. The target will progressively increase, reaching 10% by 2037.
These percentages should not be confused with SAF's emission reduction capacity. While the up to 80% rate refers to the fuel's environmental performance throughout its lifecycle, the Brazilian targets establish how much airlines must reduce their emissions in domestic operations.
The regulation provides for different technologies and raw materials for fuel production, as well as complementary mechanisms for meeting part of the targets, within established limits. The National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP) will be responsible for certification and traceability criteria, while the National Civil Aviation Agency (Anac) will oversee compliance with obligations by airlines.
For the National Secretary of Civil Aviation of the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor), Daniel Longo, the increased use of SAF is one of the alternatives to reduce dependence on fossil fuels in air transport. According to him, the advancement of this technology also depends on production capacity and the creation of conditions for the fuel to be gradually incorporated into operations.
"Sustainable aviation fuel represents an important advance in reducing the environmental impact of air transport. The challenge is to expand its use gradually, ensuring that emission reduction is accompanied by operational safety and conditions for the sector's development. Brazil has the potential to advance this agenda, leveraging its experience in biofuel production," he highlights.
In Brazil, Petrobras already produces sustainable aviation fuel at the Refinaria Duque de Caxias (Reduc), in Rio de Janeiro. In June 2026, the state-owned company announced the production and commercialization of 3.8 thousand cubic meters of SAF, obtained from certified soybean oil. The company also conducted production tests at the Refinaria Henrique Lage (Revap), in São José dos Campos (SP).
Emission Reduction
Unlike conventional jet fuel, produced from petroleum, SAF can be obtained from vegetable oils, animal fats, agricultural waste, used cooking oil, and other raw materials. These materials undergo specific industrial processes until they are transformed into suitable fuel for aviation.
Part of the climate benefit lies in the origin of these raw materials and the technologies employed in production. In the case of biomass-derived fuels, for example, the carbon released during combustion may have been previously absorbed from the atmosphere during plant growth. This does not eliminate emissions but can reduce the total balance of greenhouse gases compared to the use of fossil carbon.
To evaluate this result, it is necessary to consider the entire lifecycle of the fuel, including the sourcing and transport of raw materials, industrial processing, distribution, and use in aircraft. Factors such as energy consumption in production and eventual changes in land use are also included in this calculation.
Another advantage is that SAF, when certified and used within authorized blending limits, can be employed in existing aircraft and airport infrastructure, without the need for major adaptations. This allows for progress in emission reduction without relying on immediate fleet replacement.
National Production
The experience in biofuel production and the diversity of raw materials represent opportunities for the development of this chain. At the same time, market expansion requires sustainability criteria and mechanisms capable of proving the environmental benefits of each fuel.
SAF alone does not eliminate aviation emissions but can contribute to reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Associated with more efficient aircraft, improvements in flight operations, and advances in air traffic management, it represents one of the ways to reduce the climate impact of air transport in the coming years.
