A new report presented in Wellington suggests New Zealand could gain $1.3 billion and 5,700 jobs by scaling up sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. The report was launched during a national roundtable on aviation decarbonisation and is supported by Boeing.
The projections run through to 2050. The findings highlight both an economic and energy security case for domestic SAF investment.
SAF Positioned as Economic Growth and Climate Solution
“The opportunity to secure New Zealand’s long-term aviation fuel supply, boost economic growth and help meet ambitious climate goals through SAF is compelling,” said Dr. Kimberly Camrass, Boeing’s acting Regional Sustainability Lead for Asia Pacific.
Report Identifies Risk to Tourism and Trade Without SAF Adoption
Tourism and trade could face long-term impacts if New Zealand falls behind on sustainable aviation fuel development.
“New Zealand can potentially safeguard NZD 4.1 billion in tourism revenue and almost NZD 200 million in trade revenue over the period to 2050,” the report notes, framing decarbonisation as a competitive necessity.
Domestic Fuel Supply Tied to Emissions and Energy Sovereignty
New Zealand’s dependence on imported jet fuel was flagged as a strategic vulnerability, with SAF presented as a dual solution for both emissions reduction and energy sovereignty. Without a domestic SAF supply, aviation could account for 22% of New Zealand’s gross emissions by 2050.
“Additionally, New Zealand’s reliance on imported jet fuel highlights the need for a domestic SAF supply. This is critical for reducing emissions… but also for ensuring sovereign security,” said Camrass.
Produced from renewable sources such as agricultural waste, vegetable oils and even municipal solid waste, SAF significantly cuts carbon emissions across the fuel’s lifecycle
Policy Recommendations to Accelerate SAF Market Readiness
The report lays out a clear set of steps for policymakers, including defining feedstock and certification standards, integrating SAF into the national Emissions Trading Scheme, and sending strong market signals through leadership.
“There’s a clear case to act now, and a clear set of potential steps,” Camrass said, calling for immediate alignment between government frameworks and private sector readiness.
SAF Blend Poses Low Cost to Travellers, Economic Upside for Aviation
The report plays down concerns about consumer burden despite higher current production costs for SAF. A 5% SAF blend by 2030 would cost travellers less than a cup of coffee on a one-way domestic flight—while potentially growing passenger numbers.
“…add less than the cost of a cup of coffee… a cost outweighed by attracting 1.2% more travellers,” the study states.
New Zealand is among the 190+ countries that have committed to cutting aviation fuel carbon intensity by 5% by 2030 under the International Civil Aviation Organization. Importantly, all of New Zealand’s top 10 trading partners already have SAF policies in place or under development.