Advancing SAF at Airports: Practical Approaches to a Net Zero Future

Course Overview

As the aviation sector accelerates its journey toward net zero carbon emissions, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are one of the most critical levers for aviation decarbonization. Airports can play a central enabling role in supporting SAF deployment across the aviation value chain.

This professional certificate course provides a comprehensive introduction to Sustainable Aviation Fuels, with a strong focus on the role  airports can play in  facilitating SAF adoption. Through interactive learning, real-world examples, and practical exercises, participants will gain the knowledge and confidence needed to engage with SAF initiatives, support industry collaboration, and align airport operations with long-term sustainability and climate objectives.

Why Choose This Course?

Sustainable Aviation Fuels are a cornerstone of aviation’s long-term decarbonization strategy. However, their adoption presents complex operational, financial, and regulatory challenges.

This course offers a practical and accessible pathway for airport and aviation professionals to understand SAF, learn from global experience, and identify how airports can actively contribute to SAF development.

Aligned with ACI’s sustainability priorities, the course emphasizes collaboration across the aviation value chain, realistic implementation pathways, and the integration of SAF into broader airport sustainability and climate strategies.

Who Should Attend?

• Airport executives, managers, and professionals involved in sustainability, environment, operations, or planning
• Airport teams supporting net zero, climate action, or energy transition initiatives
• Airline, fuel supplier, and aviation industry representatives
• Civil aviation authorities and government stakeholders
• Professionals seeking to build foundational and practical knowledge of SAF in an airport context

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuels within aviation decarbonization and net zero pathways
• Distinguish between the various SAF feedstocks and production pathways
• Recognize the environmental benefits and lifecycle emissions reductions of SAF
• Understand SAF distribution, including the role of each stakeholder in the supply chain
• Identify key challenges and enablers for accelerating the production, distribution and uptake of SAF worldwide
• Learn from real-world SAF implementation examples across different regions
• Contribute to the development of an initial SAF strategy or roadmap aligned with airport sustainability goals

Course Highlights

• Understanding SAF: definitions, pathways, sustainability criteria, and industry context
• Learning from real-world SAF implementation at airports
• Applying SAF knowledge to airport operations
• Each module includes interactive discussions, hands-on exercises, and knowledge assessments to reinforce learning.

Benefits for Students

• Strategic Insight: Strengthen understanding of SAF as a key pillar of aviation sustainability
• Practical Perspective: Learn how airports can actively support SAF deployment
• Industry Alignment: Align airport initiatives with global decarbonization and net zero goals
• ACI Certification: Receive an internationally recognized certificate upon completion
• Practical Takeaways tailored to each student
• A clear understanding of how SAF fits within airport sustainability and climate strategies
• Practical insights into the current state-of-play of the SAF market, stakeholder roles, and implementation considerations
• Increased confidence to engage in SAF-related discussions and initiatives