Experts and representatives from Brazil's aviation sector are expressing concerns about the hurdles that could impede adherence to the Future Fuel Law, which mandates a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by Brazilian airlines through the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) starting in 2027. This law, signed by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the end of 2024, establishes initial targets beginning with a 1% reduction in emissions, incrementally rising to 10% by 2037.

SAF, which is considered one of the solutions for decarbonizing the aviation sector, can reduce emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. It is produced sustainably from various raw materials, including agricultural waste, used cooking oil, fats, sugarcane, and corn. Despite its environmental benefits, the current production of SAF is limited and expensive, creating significant barriers that the industry must overcome to meet the growing demand and achieve the legislative goals.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projects that while the transition to SAF is crucial for compliance with the upcoming regulations, the industry currently lacks the necessary production capacity and financing strategies to make SAF a viable alternative on a large scale. As these challenges continue, stakeholders are called upon to collaborate in order to innovate solutions that will facilitate a timely transition toward cleaner aviation fuels and fulfill the targets set by the law.