Policy analysts at institution] note in an industry challenged by rising emissions, the aviation sector faces an urgent dilemma: how to decarbonize amid a staggering 25% increase in air freight emissions since 2019. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) emerges as a beacon of hope, yet the path to widespread adoption is fraught with complexities. ([Mitigating emissions from air freight: Unlocking the potential of SAF with book and claim)

The air freight industry is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, totaling nearly 94 million tons in 2024. With demand for faster delivery services skyrocketing due to the pandemic, stakeholders are increasingly focused on sustainable solutions. SAF has the potential to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80%, but cost and logistical challenges hinder its broader use. Concepts like the book-and-claim model promise to bridge these gaps, enabling companies to benefit from the environmental advantages of SAF even when the fuel is unavailable at their location. (Mitigating emissions from air freight: Unlocking the potential of SAF with book and claim)

The Lingering Emission Crisis in Air Freight

Air freight consumption continues to ascend, driven by a growing preference for rapid delivery solutions. Between 2019 and 2024, emissions from air freight rose by 25%, reflecting a broader trend for quick transportation, especially as global supply chains struggled during the pandemic. (Mitigating emissions from air freight: Unlocking the potential of SAF with book and claim)

According to environmental advocacy group Stand.Earth, this increase resulted in an additional 20 million tons of CO2 emissions annually, highlighting the urgent need for effective decarbonization strategies. Although traditional approaches-such as fleet modernization and operational improvements-are in place, they fall short of the drastic changes required for significant emission reductions. (Mitigating emissions from air freight: Unlocking the potential of SAF with book and claim)

The Role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Decarbonization

Moreover, the infrastructure for SAF is evolving. Verified SAF outlets surged from fewer than 20 to 114 from 2021 to April 2025; however, they serve only about 92 of the world’s 40,000 airports, illustrating the widening gap between supply and demand. Raman Ojha, president of Shell Aviation, states, "While adoption and penetration of SAF haven’t really picked up massively, it’s not due to a lack of production capacity; there are many factors at play. Book-and-claim helps bridge that gap."

The book-and-claim model presents a promising solution for advancing SAF use without immediately resolving the logistical challenges of physical fuel distribution. This chain of custody model allows airlines to access the environmental benefits of SAF even if it is unavailable at their specific airport. "Without book-and-claim, achieving any short-term science-based emission targets seems futile," emphasizes Bettina Paschke, vice president at DHL Express.

Innovative Solutions: The Book-and-Claim Model

This model enables companies to document SAF usage through administrative records while still reaping the benefits of emissions reductions, a crucial step as supply chains evolve. Not only does this approach simplify logistical hurdles, but it also aligns with companies’ sustainability goals by ensuring credible emission claims.

For SAF and the book-and-claim model to gain traction, a coordinated industry effort will be vital. Wolff notes that achieving widespread adoption will require early adopters like DHL to lead by example, urging other stakeholders-including solution providers and industry associations-to take collective action.

Achieving Industry-Wide Adoption

Recent initiatives, such as Shell’s Avelia, which employs blockchain technology in its book-and-claim system, illustrate the innovative frameworks necessary for this ecosystem. Avelia allows freight forwarders to communicate SAF's lifecycle greenhouse gas reduction benefits across their supply chains, providing the transparency and trust needed among stakeholders regarding emissions claims.

As the air freight industry confronts its environmental impact, the stakeholder community must unite around sustainable practices. Accelerating the adoption of SAF and innovative solutions like book-and-claim is essential for ensuring economic viability while simultaneously addressing the climate crisis. The next few years will be pivotal in determining whether the air freight sector can transition toward a more sustainable future.

Constraints and tradeoffs

• High cost of SAF compared to conventional jet fuel

• Limited current availability of SAF at airports

• Need for industry-wide collaboration to scale SAF adoption

Verdict

Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) represents a crucial step toward lowering air freight emissions, but the adoption hurdles around cost and supply logistics require innovative solutions like book-and-claim mechanisms.