A descarbonização do setor aéreo: desafios e perspectivas do segmento de aviação civil brasileiro

Abstract

The decarbonization of civil aviation represents one of the major challenges of the global energy transition, as the sector relies on high-energy-density fuels and faces technological limitations for the immediate replacement of fossil jet fuel. In this context, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) have been identified by international organizations as one of the main alternatives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air transport. This study analyzes the progress, challenges, and prospects for the implementation of SAF in Brazil, considering the development of the National Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program (ProBioQAV) and its alignment with international decarbonization initiatives such as the International Civil Aviation Organization’s CORSIA scheme and the International Air Transport Association’s Fly Net Zero program. The research adopts a qualitative and exploratory approach, combining literature review, institutional analysis, and field research. The empirical investigation was conducted through a structured questionnaire based on a Likert scale directed at specialists and professionals from different segments of the SAF value chain in Brazil, resulting in 53 valid responses. The findings indicate that although Brazil has important comparative advantages, such as abundant biomass availability and consolidated experience in biofuel production, the development of a SAF market depends on overcoming regulatory, fiscal, and logistical barriers, as well as strengthening financial mechanisms and institutional coordination. The results also reveal asymmetries in the perceptions of different stakeholders within the value chain, particularly regarding the role of public policies and carbon pricing instruments. The study concludes that the successful development of SAF in Brazil will depend on the articulation of energy, industrial, and environmental policies capable of transforming the country’s productive potential into a competitive advantage in the global aviation decarbonization process.