SAF, Hydrogen Infrastructure Progress Is Too Slow, Airbus CTO Says

TOULOUSE—Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and green hydrogen production is behind the curve for aviation to reach its 2050 decarbonization goals, says Sabine Klauke, chief technology officer (CTO) and EVP, engineering for Airbus’ commercial aircraft business.

The insufficient output and limited plans for SAF and hydrogen production jeopardize the aviation industry's chances to become sustainable. IATA Director General Willie Walsh recently said that airlines were unhappy about the slow pace of growth in SAF production.

“In 2024, SAF production tripled,” Klauke said, speaking Jan. 28 at the Towards Sustainable Aviation Summit, organized by France’s Aeronautics and Astronautics Association in Toulouse. “But it was still only 0.53% of aviation’s total jet fuel consumption. That is the equivalent of 3-4 spoons in the fuel your car burns on a 100 km [62 mi.] trip.”

Airbus, like the aviation industry, is counting on SAF for the majority of its decarbonization effort. The aviation sector must bridge the gap in the next 25 years, Klauke said, noting, “We are late.”

Airbus is not a fuel producer. “But we do have a role to play in SAF production,” she said. “We increase SAF use in our operations to show it is possible.” Last year, the 16% proportion of SAF in Airbus’ fuel consumption was above the 15% target, and that share is planned to grow to 20% in 2025. Airbus has formed partnerships to support growth in countries such as Australia, China, Japan and the UAE.

“If we could fly only on SAF tomorrow, we would cut CO₂ emissions 80%,” she said. Airbus aircraft are certified to fly on a 50% SAF blend. Company engineers are working to increase the approved proportion to 100% by 2030. “But the biggest challenge is availability,” Klauke said.

The airframer is also betting on hydrogen for carbon-free flights. Airbus has set 2035 for the entry-into-service of a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft. “We need hydrogen at airports,” Klauke said. “The ecosystem is not progressing fast enough. Green hydrogen production projects are being pushed to the right.”

Asked whether the absence of climate change in the new Trump administration’s agenda may distract Airbus’ U.S. customers from sustainability issues, she responded that the company is pressing on anyway. “We see climate change faster than we imagined; we must decarbonize,” she said. “As for the influence of the Trump administration, we will see ... but we will proceed.”