GBTA Foundation Launches SAF Corporate Connect to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Adoption in Business Travel

New self-guided learning hub empowers corporate travel programs to drive SAF integration and advance industry progress toward net zero

Air travel remains one of the most challenging sectors to decarbonize-yet it's essential for global business. And for companies committed to sustainability, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is one of the few viable solutions available to reduce their air travel-related emissions. Corporate travel managers are increasingly driving demand for SAF, however, large-scale adoption has yet to gain momentum.

To address this gap, the GBTA Foundation, the cause-led arm of the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA), today announced the launch of SAF Corporate Connect, the first comprehensive learning and collaboration hub designed specifically to help the corporate travel industry community. The hub equips travel managers and sustainability leaders with the knowledge and tools to understand, evaluate and integrate SAF into their programs.

Developed with the support of the GBTA Sustainability Partners and unveiled during Climate Week NYC, SAF Corporate Connect aims to break down barriers to SAF adoption by offering:

• Guidance for corporate travel buyers on SAF purchasing options and integration strategies
• Timely market intelligence and up-to-date information on SAF developments
• A collaborative forum for peer exchange, knowledge sharing and industry engagement

Carbon emitted during the production of SAF - from raw materials to distribution - can be up to 80% less than conventional jet fuel. When integrated as part of a broader decarbonization strategy that includes influencing travel decisions, monitoring and setting emissions reduction goals, and engaging travel supply chains, SAF can help companies achieve credible travel emissions reductions. And with airlines projecting SAF as a cornerstone of their decarbonization strategies by 2050, the $1.57 trillion global business travel sector holds significant influence in accelerating adoption.

"Successfully implementing SAF at scale is a shared investment across the industry. When it comes to the complex world of SAF, corporate travel managers need practical tools to build strong business cases and engage internal stakeholders," said Delphine Millot, Senior Vice President, Advocacy and Sustainability, GBTA, and Managing Director at the GBTA Foundation. "SAF Corporate Connect will help companies and industry professionals understand the SAF market, engage suppliers, and communicate progress with credibility."

Millot also noted GBTA's ongoing advocacy for clearer reporting standards around SAF purchased via book-and-claim models, and emphasized the initiative's role in amplifying the voice of corporate travel buyers on SAF-related challenges.

Recent GBTA research highlights the need for greater awareness and support: In the Foundation's 2024 Sustainability Acceleration Challenge, only 12% of 241 participating companies reported purchasing SAF certificates. In other GBTA studies, travel global managers cite limited budgets, lack of awareness or understanding, and perceived complexity of the purchasing process as key barriers.

By featuring companies with established SAF strategies, SAF Corporate Connect aims to inspire others to chart their own path forward. Alice Ashpitel, Head of Sustainability at Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team, said, "Collaboration is essential. By sharing knowledge and experiences, organizations can accelerate their SAF journeys together. Too many businesses hold back due to uncertainty ─ but starting small is not only possible, it's one of the most powerful ways to build confidence, test solutions and scale impact over time."

How will SAF Corporate Connect support organizations looking to reduce emissions from corporate travel programs?

• The SAF Playbook for Corporate Travel: A first-of-its-kind, step-by-step guide for corporate travel managers, procurement teams, and sustainability professionals to confidently integrate SAF into their company strategies. Explore the playbook and other resources here.
  
• Practical Tools & Peer-driven Insights: Access webinars, case studies and interact with travel buyers, SAF suppliers, and industry experts. Join the upcoming webinar ─ SAF Playbook: Lessons from Corporate Sustainability and Travel Teams ─ on Wednesday, October 29th, at 10:00am EST. Register here.
  
• Community Connection: A global forum for corporates to connect with peers, suppliers, and SAF experts to share experiences and foster collaboration.

During Climate Week NYC, the GBTA Foundation along with industry partners will host a reception, Business Travel at Climate Week NYC: Connections for Action, to advance dialogue on the future of sustainable business travel. GBTA leaders will also join SAF experts and practitioners in events throughout the week.

About the GBTA Foundation's Sustainability Initiative The GBTA Foundation's Sustainability Initiative aims to drive cross-industry collaboration among the users and providers of corporate travel services to deploy solutions that help manage and reduce carbon emissions from travel. Our work includes capacity-building, harmonization and advocacy efforts to empower business travel professionals to advance climate-conscious business travel programs.GBTA's Sustainability initiative was made possible by the corporate donations and support from the Foundation's Sustainability Partners. For more information or to help support the GBTA Foundation and our Sustainability Initiative, reach out to [email protected].

About GBTA  
The Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) is the world's premier business travel and meetings trade organization serving stakeholders across six continents. GBTA and its 9,000+ members represent and advocate for the $1.57 trillion global business travel and meetings industry. GBTA and the GBTA Foundation deliver world-class education, events, research, advocacy, and media to a growing global network of more than 28,000 travel professionals and 125,000 active contacts. For more information, visit GBTA.org.