Heathrow aims to triple usage of greener aviation fuel at the airport this year, but warned the UK risks falling behind other nations in developing production facilities.
Chief executive John Holland-Kaye told the PA news agency that the west London airport has “led the way on decarbonising aviation” through sustainable aviation fuel (Saf) but supportive Government policy is “needed now” to compete with the US and the rest of Europe.
Saf is produced from sustainable sources such as agricultural waste and used cooking oil. It reduces carbon emissions by up to 70% compared with traditional jet fuel, but is currently several times more expensive to produce. Heathrow runs a scheme through which it provides Saf to airlines and covers up to half the extra cost through a £38 million fund.
