Corporate travel buyers to drive half of global SAF demand by 2030: Amex GBT

Corporate travel buyers could account for up to half of global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) demand by 2030, according to new data from American Express Global Business Travel, pointing to a growing role for managed travel programs in aviation decarbonization.

According to Amex GBT’s 2026 SAF Index, corporate procurement is emerging as a major demand driver for SAF, alongside airlines and government policy. 

The report comes as global SAF production has increased 24 times since 2021, though it still represented just 0.6 per cent of global jet fuel consumption in 2025.

Cost remains a major barrier, with SAF estimated to be between two and ten times more expensive than conventional jet fuel.

To help bridge that gap, the industry is increasingly turning to “book and claim” models, which allow corporate buyers to support SAF procurement even when supply is not physically available at their departure airport.

Platforms such as Avelia, developed by Amex GBT and Shell Aviation, are part of that effort. 

A long-term SAF procurement agreement with Google, facilitated through Avelia, is being positioned as one example of how corporate buyers are helping scale adoption.

“Sustainable aviation fuel represents a critical unlock for decarbonizing the hard-to-abate aviation sector and we recognize the importance of long-term agreements to increase demand and expand its availability,” said Vrushali Gaud, global director of climate operations at Google.

Since launching, Avelia has seen more than 64 million gallons of SAF injected into the fuel network across 18 airport locations worldwide, helping to abate over 590,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent — roughly the emissions of more than one million passengers flying from London to New York. 

More than 66 corporations and airlines are now participating in the platform.

“Corporate demand and investment are essential to growing the SAF industry,” said Andrew Crawley, president, American Express Global Business Travel. 

“By extending this key collaboration, we are continuing to build a more resilient and lower-carbon future for our industry.”

Amex GBT also pointed to growing policy support, noting governments representing roughly three-quarters of global jet fuel demand have implemented or are developing SAF mandates and incentives.

For the business travel sector, the report suggests SAF is moving from a niche sustainability discussion into a growing consideration within corporate travel programs.

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