After years of uncertainty, the aviation industry in Europe is entering a new era. With the European Union’s RefuelEU Aviation Framework now published, it is only a matter of time before major changes take place in how aircraft are powered as airlines and airports prepare for the biggest shift in the way aviation manages aircraft fuel. It is an easy goal to express but much more difficult to enact, a vision that seeks to reduce emissions, minimise the environmentally harmful effects of flying, and imagine a future that relies more heavily on sustainable technologies.
For employers in the aviation sector and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) environment, these rules are changing and with change comes opportunity. At Dynamic Staffing Services, employers are in a reasonable position to employ or engage talented individuals who possess the skills required for the next generation of aviation.
What Are the New EU Fuel Rules?
In 2023, the RefuelEU Aviation regulation took effect, setting minimum Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) levels for flights departing from EU airports.
Some key milestones include:
- From 2025, a minimum of 2% of aviation fuel must be SAF.
- By 2030, this will increase to 6%.
- By 2050, SAF should make up 70% of all aviation fuel.
SAF is produced from renewable resources (e.g., waste oils, agricultural residues, synthetic fuels). SAF provides a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from conventional jet fuel.
Related Reading: Aviation Recruitment Services
What This Means for Aviation Businesses
Transitioning to SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) encompasses more than just fuel switching; there are operational, infrastructure, and technical support considerations. Airlines, airports, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) groups need to:
- Assess the upgrades needed to fuel storage and delivery systems for SAF
- Train their technical teams safely and correctly on handling SAF
- Develop revised maintenance practices and procedures with MROs and suppliers that consider using the new fuel
- Work with suppliers to ensure fuel quality and availability.
This is similar to how workforce gaps have challenged other industries, as seen in Russia’s workforce shortage impact on global companies.
👉 See Also: Technical Manpower Supply
The New Skills in Demand
The move to the new fuel types in the EU will create demand for new skills across the aviation and MRO sector:
- Fuel Systems Technicians- Skilled in the maintenance and conversion of aircraft systems to allow for SAF.
- Aviation Safety Specialists- Knowledgeable on compliance, environmental impact, and new fuel safety regulations.
- MRO Engineers with SAF Knowledge- Can modify maintenance schedules and service issues for SAF.
- Airport Fuel Operation Worker- Knowledgeable in the sustainable aviation fuel storage, blending, and refuelling.
- Sustainability Managers – Responsible for overseeing green programs in the scope of airlines and MRO businesses.
Employers can learn from other industries where DSS has managed the rapid deployment of technical and mechanical specialists to meet urgent project needs.
How Dynamic Staffing Services Helps Employers Adapt
Dynamic Staffing Services focuses on providing technical and operational talent within the aviation sector. With the implementation of the EU fuel rules, we will help our Clients:
- Identify New Roles – Identifying which job positions will require new SAF-related skill sets.
- Source qualified professionals – Finding candidates who have aviation and sustainable fuel systems experience.
- Support Upskilling – Connecting employers to training resources that set up existing staff to perform SAF operations.
- Enable Compliance – Recruiting talent that has an understanding of EU environmental regulations and safety standards.
Our proven track record in efficient sourcing of operational labour demonstrates our ability to scale hiring, whether in aviation or logistics.
Why Employers Should Act Now
The first 2025 SAF requirement is only the beginning; the percentage will increase quickly over the next ten years. Companies that begin workforce preparation now will have a competitive advantage in:
- Meeting regulatory requirements with minimal disruption to operations.
- Attracting environmentally concerned clients and passengers.
- Establishing themselves as leaders in sustainable aviation.
Waiting will create a challenge in finding skilled workers in the next few years when demand peaks. This is the same proactive approach we apply in helping clients hire certified logistics coordinators with ERP and warehouse experience to strengthen their supply chains.
Powering Your Workforce for the Sustainable Aviation Era
The EU has updated regulations on fuel, putting Europe’s aviation industry in Ongoing changes; therefore, it is a great opportunity for airlines, airports, and MRO businesses to use this moment to innovate, invest in sustainability, and prepare their workforce for the future. Dynamic Staffing Services will help by providing experienced specialists, technicians, and managers as you move towards sustainable aviation fuels, to help you make the journey smooth, safe, sustainable, and compliant.
Dynamic staffing Services can help your organisation be ahead of the competition in fulfilling your new EU targets, in relation to fuel. You can contact us at clientservices@dss-hr.com or +91-11-40410000.
