Rival airlines ANA and JAL team up to push for sustainable aviation fuel

Japan’s two largest airlines are calling for a nationwide effort to accelerate the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), warning that the industry faces a looming crisis if action is not taken soon.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines released the second edition of their joint report on SAF on May 27, 2026. 

Titled “Toward Net Zero CO2 Emissions from Air Transport in 2050,” the report outlines the current state of sustainable fuel adoption in Japan and what it will take to meet the aviation industry’s climate goals.

A small slice of the fuel mix

SAF is considered essential for reducing carbon emissions from flying, but the report notes that it made up just 0.6% of global aviation fuel consumption as of 2025. Without a significant increase in production and cost reductions over the next five years, the aviation industry risks falling short of its emissions targets, with potential ripple effects across the economy.

Japan’s aviation sector generates an estimated JPY 17 trillion (US $110 billion) in annual economic activity and plays a critical role in connecting regional communities and remote islands that depend on air service. The country is also aiming to attract 60 million inbound visitors, a goal that depends on a stable and sustainable fuel supply.

A Japanese approach

The report proposes what it calls a “Japanese Model,” an approach that balances the pace of SAF regulations with the country’s actual domestic production capacity. The idea is to avoid supply shortages and excessive costs while supporting long-term growth.

ANA and JAL are also promoting what they describe as a “Co-creation Model,” in which the high costs of SAF adoption are shared across society rather than borne by airlines alone. Through corporate programs, both carriers are helping business customers reduce their own emissions tied to air travel.

Rivals working together

Despite being competitors, ANA and JAL say they are working together as the “two wings” of Japan’s aviation sector to address a challenge that goes beyond any single company.

Juichi Hirasawa, President and CEO of ANA, said the global SAF landscape is severe and any delay in securing fuel represents a direct threat to Japan’s economic security.

“We strongly call for an effective, society-wide framework to maintain Japan’s aviation infrastructure and hand over sustainable skies to the next generation,” Hirasawa said.

Mitsuko Tottori, President and Group CEO of JAL, echoed the sentiment, saying that while scaling SAF presents major challenges, the airline remains committed to pioneering a sustainable future.

“Moving forward together with All Nippon Airways, and hand in hand with our customers and all stakeholders, we will face these difficulties to ensure a vibrant future of movement is securely passed to the next generation,” Tottori said.

The report follows the first joint SAF report released by the two airlines in October 2021.

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