Canada is steadfastly committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, a goal that critically includes its aviation sector. Although domestic and international aviation currently contribute 3% of Canada’s total emissions, this “hard-to-abate” sector is rapidly growing, with a projected 51% increase in the next two decades. This growth significantly challenges emission reduction efforts, especially as efficiency improvements alone have been outpaced by the sector’s expansion, leading to a significant increase in absolute emissions.

Aviation’s climate impact extends beyond CO2 emissions; non-CO2 effects like persistent contrails, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur oxides (SOx) are estimated to account for up to two-thirds of the total warming impact. These non-CO2 effects are a recent focus and require further research and action, often addressable by cleaner fuels.

For Canada’s vast geographic area, alternative propulsion systems such as electric or hydrogen aircraft are largely limited to short distances, leaving long-haul flights (over 1,500 km) reliant on conventional jet fuel. Consequently, **Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF)** emerge as the most critical solution for decarbonizing Canadian aviation, particularly for these long-distance operations.

Transport Canada’s Aviation Climate Action Plan 2022-2030 prioritizes SAF, targeting 10% penetration by 2030, equivalent to one billion litres annually with a minimum 50% lifecycle emission reduction compared to conventional jet fuel. The Canadian Council for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (C-SAF) highlights Canada’s potential to produce 7-10 billion litres of SAF from domestic feedstocks, enough to meet the country’s entire jet fuel demand by 2030. Achieving net-zero requires a multi-faceted approach, with SAF playing the dominant role in reducing the Canadian aviation sector’s environmental footprint.