Have you ever thought about making greener choices when booking your holidays? Now you can. Explore Worldwide is the first tour operator to offer travellers the option to purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) alongside their holiday booking, giving eco-conscious adventurers a direct way to reduce their environmental impact.
What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a cleaner alternative to traditional jet fuel, made from renewable and sustainable resources such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and algae. Unlike fossil fuels, SAF has the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle. SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel and used in regular flights, with no need for modifications to aircraft or infrastructure, making it a practical solution for reducing carbon emissions in aviation.
Explore Worldwide’s new initiative allows travellers to purchase SAF for just £20, which covers enough fuel to reduce carbon emissions by 42kg—the equivalent of driving 96 miles in a typical car. This simple, affordable option empowers eco-conscious travellers to take immediate action and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Booking SAF is as straightforward as adding any other travel extra, such as selecting your seat or purchasing additional luggage. Whether you’re booking a trip with Explore Worldwide or not, you can still buy SAF through their website, making it accessible to all travellers looking to fly greener.
Why Does SAF Matter?
Aviation accounts for a significant portion of global carbon emissions, and while SAF only makes up 0.1% of global jet fuel use, it is a key component in reducing the industry’s environmental impact. To meet the goals of the Paris Agreement—which includes a target of 10% SAF usage by 2030—substantial industry support and consumer demand are needed to make SAF more widespread and affordable.
SAF is recognised by international aviation regulators as safe for commercial flights, and leading airlines such as KLM, United Airlines, and Lufthansa are also adopting SAF as part of their sustainability efforts. However, for it to scale, more investment and backing from both the travel industry and governments are essential.
Explore Worldwide’s SAF initiative is part of their broader sustainability strategy. In addition to offering SAF, the company is committed to supporting carbon removal technologies through a partnership with Klimate. Instead of traditional carbon offsetting, Explore funds projects such as soil sequestration and Direct Air Capture, which actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Michael Edwards, Managing Director of Explore Worldwide, emphasises the importance of taking action:
“Fundamentally, there is no silver bullet for the climate crisis. But there are potential technologies and solutions, like SAF and carbon removal schemes, that cannot be developed and tested without funding. The only way we can make a difference is by jumping in feet first. Change happens one step at a time.”
Tips for Travellers Looking to Fly Greener
If you’re keen to make your next holiday more sustainable, there are a few ways to reduce your environmental impact:
- Book eco-friendly accommodation: Look for hotels and resorts with strong sustainability credentials, such as LEED certification or eco-friendly initiatives.
- Support local conservation efforts: Choose destinations that prioritise conservation and involve local communities in tourism.
- Travel slow: Consider staying longer at fewer destinations to reduce the frequency of flights, which are a major contributor to carbon emissions.
As consumer demand for eco-friendly travel grows, initiatives like Explore Worldwide’s SAF offering are likely to become more common. With the industry under increasing pressure to meet sustainability targets, now is the time for both travellers and companies to make more informed, greener choices. Explore Worldwide’s SAF initiative gives travellers a practical way to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying their next adventure.
