The Smart Marty Sky Dispatch
Which airlines use the most SAF? 2026 study reveals leaders
A new study of 30 airlines finds KLM and British Airways lead on SAF share, while IAG reports the most voluntary fuel. Here is what the numbers mean.
KLM Group and British Airways lead the latest comparative study on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage, with disclosed shares among 30 airlines analyzed by C Level reaching 4.6% for KLM Group and 4.5% for British Airways in their respective fuel consumption. These figures are highlighted as the highest disclosed SAF usage among the carriers evaluated, signaling a leading position in transparent reporting of sustainable fuel use.
The study notes notable transparency gaps across the airline industry, with no airline clearly reporting how much voluntary SAF funding it provided after excluding corporate and customer contributions. As a result, direct and apples-to-apples comparisons of true SAF funding and usage remain difficult, even when some carriers disclose higher SAF shares.
Regulatory drivers are identified as a key force behind rising SAF adoption, particularly with the European Union and the United Kingdom implementing 2% SAF mandates in 2025. This regulatory backdrop helps explain the observed increases in SAF usage among airlines operating in these regions and aligns with broader industry efforts to meet decarbonization targets.
According to EASA, SAF accounted for 2.8% of all aviation fuel supplied at EU airports during the year in question, surpassing the 2% regulatory requirement. This statutory achievement underscores the impact of mandates on reported SAF shares and demonstrates higher participation by suppliers and airlines in Europe compared with prior years.
The reporting underscores that while some carriers disclose higher SAF usage, overall transparency remains uneven across the sector. The implications suggest that stakeholders seeking to compare airline efforts must navigate inconsistent disclosure practices and varying definitions of SAF and reporting boundaries.
Additional context from Simple Flying discusses related aviation innovation in a separate article, noting that 2026 continues to see significant evolution in premium cabin design and service. The piece highlights a shift toward lie-flat suites, greater privacy, and the integration of new technology within business class, reflecting a broader trend of passenger-centric enhancements rather than a single airline initiative.
Simple Flying’s analysis emphasizes that cabin design improvements are complemented by enhanced comfort and privacy, with a focus on the overall passenger experience facilitated by new technologies. The article also points to the role of cabin crew expertise and aviation human factors professionals in shaping how service and product development evolve, implying that knowledgeable staff contribute to the adoption of innovative cabin concepts.
Context for this broader innovation discussion originates from Simple Flying, with attribution to author Patricia, who draws on experience in cabin crew and human factors to describe industry evolution. While not providing specific event dates or locations, the article frames 2026 as part of an ongoing period of airline product development and technology integration rather than a singular milestone.