Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Airlines for Europe (A4E) and the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) have demanded changes to the European Commission’s ReFuelEU rules that mandate increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In a joint report published on Thursday, the industry groups called for improvements to the system, which they said will make it “smarter and clearer.”
Core demands relate to ReFuelEU’s anti-fuel-tankering rule, how SAF documentation and alignment with the emissions trading scheme are handled, and fuel supplier market behavior and pricing transparency. The ETS is the EU framework through which all industries are subject to cap-and-trade mandates requiring them to hold allowances for every metric ton of carbon dioxide they emit.
According to A4E and ERA, the anti-tankering rule, which fines operators who cannot prove that they uplifted at least 90% of their required fuel from EU airports, creates an excessively heavy administrative burden and sometimes results in excessive fuel burn. The groups called for “more proportionate thresholds” for how much fuel has to be uplifted in the EU and a harmonized exemption framework.
The groups complained that “late and inconsistent” sustainability documentation, combined with “misalignment” between ReFuelEU and the ETS, can leave airlines subject to audit and prevent them from claiming emissions benefits from SAF they have paid for. A4E and ERA, which represent just about all of Europe’s major carriers and regional operators, called for harmonized documentation, earlier delivery timeliness, and rationalization of the ReFuelEU and ETS reporting requirements.
The paper states that SAF surcharges are too often “opaque” and not clearly linked to the actual verifiable amounts of SAF. It also alleges that insufficient competition between fuel suppliers at some airports undermines airlines’ ability to negotiate on pricing. The groups demanded greater transparency in these areas and the implementation of book-and-claim options to boost competition.
“A targeted fast-track revision in 2026 could strengthen legal certainty, reduce unnecessary administrative burden, and ensure that every euro spent on SAF translates into real decarbonization,” the <a href="https://www.eraa.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ReFuelEU-Options-Paper-ERA-A4E.pdf?utm_source=https%3a%2f%2femail.eraa-comms.org%2feraalz%2f&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=Media+statement+-++ReFuelEU+options+paper&amp;utm_term=%0d%0dAirline+associations+urge+smarter%2c+clearer+ReFuelEU+rules+in+options+paper&amp;utm_content=20632&amp;gator_td=3dcOWRPMUpN%2f%2bnPUYUrcZm6I%2fu5d%2f%2bF7USMnJ%2bcp5Q1pvFIgVYLZIpK0qemeCF9ByMCi5oR9z2IFyNZ22n9hT3mxuVyaOX7m98leVDBTK0ypGKOX6yIaMWSExpzUQSZ9P6iSOnPJDKjphhwGFwHdRrzA3n9MOhdiZuZGv8UQTto%3d">joint report</a> concluded.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

European Airline Groups Demand Changes to ReFuelEU SAF Rules 

Report highlights lack of transparency and consistency in SAF requirements 

Airlines for Europe and the European Regions Airline Association have demanded reforms to Europe’s ReFuelEU mandates for sustainable aviation fuel.

European Airlines Demand Changes to ReFuelEU Rules

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

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News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

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