Infographic: Jet fuel demand soars as SAF takes flight

Global jet fuel demand is soaring as passengers return the skies in droves, with summer travel pushing aviation fuel use back close to pre-pandemic levels. After efficiency gains and bigger planes held up the jet fuel demand rebound, further growth in jet demand is expected in the coming decade. Global air passenger demand in June jumped 9.1% year on year, driven by the summer holiday season, according to the International Air Transport Association.

The spike has boosted jet fuel prices, with international demand up 12.3%, led by Asia-Pacific at 22.6%, followed by Africa and Latin America. Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, noted a significant rise in the CIF NWE jet cargo differential, underscoring the growing demand. Projections show global jet fuel and kerosene demand hitting 8 million b/d this summer, with annual averages returning to pre-pandemic levels by 2025.

Meanwhile, efficiency gains and the emergence of sustainable aviation fuels are set to see jet fuel demand peak by 2035. The aviation sector’s push for decarbonization, driven by regulations and tech advancements, will be crucial, with SAF projected to dominate the aviation fuel mix by 2050.

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