Prime Highlight

• Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, has been appointed CEO Champion of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s SAF Pathfinder Initiative to accelerate global adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.
• Griffiths aims to boost SAF production, expand its use, and align efforts with Dubai Airports’ sustainability programs.

Key Facts

• Sustainable aviation fuel can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared with traditional jet fuel, though it currently accounts for less than 1% of global jet fuel.
• The SAF Pathfinder Initiative brings together airlines, fuel producers, investors, and policymakers to increase investment, demand, and infrastructure for SAF.

Background

The Sustainable Markets Initiative named Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, as the new CEO Champion of its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Pathfinder Initiative. An announcement was made in London on January 8, 2026.

The move comes as the aviation industry faces growing pressure to cut emissions while keeping pace with rising global air travel. Experts view sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, as the most practical short-term tool to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. SAF can lower lifecycle emissions by as much as 80% when compared with traditional jet fuel.

Even though SAF shows promise, it makes up less than 1% of the world’s jet fuel. High production costs, limited infrastructure, and weak demand have slowed its use.

The SAF Pathfinder Initiative was created to tackle these challenges. Through this platform, the Sustainable Markets Initiative brings together airlines, fuel producers, investors, and policymakers to unlock investment, boost demand, and push for common global policies. The programme also focuses on building infrastructure and improving coordination across the supply chain.

Commenting on his new role, Griffiths said he feels honoured to lead the effort at a key moment for the sector. He said SAF is one of the strongest tools available to cut flight emissions and pledged to work toward faster production and wider use of the fuel.

Griffiths also plans to align the Pathfinder’s work with the oneDXB Sustainability Alliance, a joint programme led by Dubai Airports. The alliance supports sustainability and innovation across Dubai International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Under his leadership, Dubai Airports has earned Level 4 Transformation status from Airports Council International, placing it among the top five percent of airports globally. The operator uses low-emission ground fleets and has launched several sustainability-focused infrastructure projects, showing its leadership in greener aviation.

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