Heathrow increases sustainable aviation fuel incentive to support lower-carbon business travel

17 Feb

Heathrow Airport has boosted its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) incentive for 2026, setting a target to go 2 per cent above the UK government mandate in a move designed to accelerate SAF use and reduce carbon emissions from flights.

For UK-based business travellers, this matters because sustainable aviation fuel is one of the most effective tools currently available to cut carbon emissions on longer flights, meaning companies with travel-related carbon reporting obligations and sustainability goals can make measurable progress without compromising essential travel plans. Greater SAF uptake also signals investment in the future of business travel infrastructure, aligning environmental priorities with reliable global connectivity.

Under the enhanced 2026 scheme, Heathrow aims to achieve a 5.6 per cent SAF uplift, which is 2 per cent above the UK’s statutory 3.6 per cent SAF mandate, backed by over £80 million of support to help airlines bridge the cost gap between conventional jet fuel and SAF. Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which can cut lifecycle carbon emissions by around 70 per cent on average compared with fossil-based kerosene, is expected to reduce Heathrow’s aviation carbon footprint significantly, with potential reductions of around 600,000 tonnes of CO₂ in 2026 alone.

Matt Gorman, Heathrow’s Director of Sustainability, said

“Sustainable Aviation Fuel is not a hypothetical concept for the future, it’s already producing real impact in 2026. Heathrow is leading the way globally… Our incentive delivers real progress today, as well as a future promise for tomorrow.”

This underlines Heathrow’s strategic commitment to becoming a more sustainable hub for global air travel while maintaining its role as the UK’s primary gateway for business and corporate travellers.

Paul Baker, Sales Director at Global Travel Management, said

“UK business travellers and the companies that deploy them need sustainable travel options that do not diminish connectivity or efficiency. Heathrow’s stronger SAF incentive supports lower-carbon business travel journeys and helps organisations deliver on environmental targets without foregoing vital face-to-face engagement around the world.”

As Heathrow continues to refine its environmental and operational strategies, this boosted SAF incentive represents a significant step in reducing the carbon intensity of flights that are fundamental to modern business travel. If you would like further information about how this development could affect your corporate travel plans or sustainability reporting, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.