The European Commission has launched a call for tender to assess the feasibility of a Book & Claim system for sustainable fuels across all transport modes, including aviation.
This initiative is a positive step, especially in light of the challenges regional airlines are facing under ReFuelEU Aviation. ERA has consistently highlighted the challenges airlines face due to the limited availability of SAF across EU airports. This uneven distribution makes it difficult for operators to demonstrate compliance with sustainability requirements and access related incentives, such as EU ETS allowances.
Currently, ReFuelEU includes a flexibility mechanism for fuel suppliers, allowing them to meet SAF quotas by averaging supply across EU airports. However, this flexibility does not extend to airlines, who are left without options when SAF is unavailable.
A Book & Claim system could help rebalance this, by allowing airlines to claim the environmental benefits of SAF used elsewhere. This would introduce a layer of flexibility for operators, enabling fairer access to SAF-related incentives and supporting compliance with EU climate regulations.
The study will also explore:
- The economic impact of such a system
- Whether it should be EU-only or globally extended
- How it aligns with ICAO and IMO processes for recognising sustainable fuels
ERA welcomes this initiative and will continue to advocate for solutions that support SAF deployment and ensure equitable access for regional carriers.
The deadline for the tender is 22 October 2025 and you can find more information here.