Corporate Travel Buyers to Account for Half of Global SAF Demand by 2030: Amex GBT

Comprehensive Summarization:

The article from American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) highlights that corporate travel buyers could account for up to half of the global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand by 2030. This emerging demand driver, alongside airlines and government policy, underscores the growing role of managed travel programs in aviation decarbonization. The report, based on Amex GBT’s 2026 SAF Index, notes that while global SAF production has increased 24 times since 2021, it still represents only 0.6% of global jet fuel consumption in 2025. The high cost of SAF, estimated to be between two and ten times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, remains a significant barrier to wider adoption. The article suggests that managed travel programs could help bridge this cost gap, positioning corporate procurement as a pivotal force in the push for sustainable aviation fuel.

Key Points:

1. Corporate travel buyers could represent up to half of the global SAF demand by 2030.
2. SAF production has increased 24 times since 2021 but currently accounts for only 0.6% of global jet fuel consumption.
3. SAF is estimated to be between two and ten times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, posing a major cost barrier.
4. Managed travel programs are emerging as a significant demand driver for SAF, alongside airlines and government policy.
5. The article emphasizes the potential of managed travel programs to help bridge the cost gap for SAF adoption.

Actionable Takeaways:

• Corporate Procurement as a Catalyst for SAF Adoption: With corporate travel buyers potentially accounting for half of the global SAF demand by 2030, managed travel programs can play a crucial role in accelerating the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel. This presents an opportunity for travel companies to align with corporate sustainability goals and contribute to aviation decarbonization efforts.

• Cost Reduction Strategies for SAF: Given that SAF is currently between two and ten times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, travel companies should explore cost reduction strategies. This could include negotiating bulk purchase agreements, investing in SAF production technologies, or partnering with airlines and government entities to leverage policy incentives and subsidies.

• Leveraging Managed Travel Programs: The article suggests that managed travel programs could help mitigate the high cost of SAF. Travel companies should consider developing or enhancing their managed travel programs to include SAF procurement options. This could involve integrating SAF into corporate travel policies, offering SAF as a premium travel option, or collaborating with airlines to ensure SAF availability for corporate flights.

Contextual Insights:

The article reflects a broader trend in the travel industry towards sustainability and decarbonization. As global SAF production continues to grow, the aviation sector faces a critical juncture in balancing cost considerations with environmental goals. Managed travel programs represent a strategic avenue for travel companies to navigate this challenge, aligning with corporate sustainability objectives while driving innovation in sustainable aviation fuel. This shift is also influenced by increasing government policies and airline commitments to reduce carbon emissions, creating a conducive environment for SAF adoption. Forward-looking travel companies should prioritize investments in managed travel programs and SAF procurement to stay ahead of regulatory trends and meet the evolving demands of corporate clients.

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