Airbus Announces “Book and Claim” System to Accelerate SAF Adoption

What is “book and claim”?

To explain, the book and claim is a mechanism that would allow a buyer to “book” and purchase a certain amount of SAF and then “claim” the corresponding reduced emissions. This system would be applicable even if the product (SAF) is being used somewhere else.

Through a year-long pilot programme in 2025, Airbus will leverage on this system to improve SAF accessibility for potential customers, especially those with limited volumes and are distant from supply points. The programme also aims to assess and evaluate the “book and claim” approach on its capacity and effectiveness, as well as the market interest in third-party facilitation of integrated SAF solutions.

As part of its role, Airbus will purchase SAF certificates and manage the associated sustainability claims through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) registry, a recognised sustainability certification body. These certificates will then be sold to interested customers, like aircraft and helicopter operators, thereby boosting short-term demand for SAF.

The Airbus A350-1000 is refuelled with 35% blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) prior to its participation at the 2024 Singapore Airshow’s flying display. Photo: Airbus

Companies onboarding the initiative include SMBC Aviation Capital, AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment, and SAF Aerogroup, their initial support underscores a collective industry-wide effort to increase SAF adoption.

Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Carbon Dioxide Removals at Airbus, said that the SAF Book and Claim mechanism offers an immediate solution in supporting the growth and scaling of the SAF market worldwide.

He also noted that for many smaller operators, the access to SAF could be a challenge, depending on the demand required. “Through this initiative, Airbus can simplify and derisk the process for operators and SAF suppliers, by financially securing SAF certificates upfront and sharing them when customers need them. This is also a great opportunity to demonstrate Book and Claim is reliable and that its usage should be extended in voluntary and regulatory markets,” Manhes added.