Sustainable aviation fuel to account for less than 1 pc of fuel use this year: IATA
New Delhi, June 7
Global production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel is expected to reach just 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, accounting for only 0.8 per cent of total aviation fuel consumption, highlighting the growing challenge facing the airline industry's decarbonisation efforts, according to estimates released by the International Air Transport Association.
The industry body said airlines are expected to spend around $4.3 billion on SAF this year, even as production remains far below the levels required to meet the sector's long-term climate goals.
Commenting on the outlook, Willie Walsh, IATA's Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, said the pace of SAF development remains disappointing five years after the aviation industry committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
He noted that SAF is projected to account for less than 1 per cent of airline fuel use in 2026, making the pathway to meeting around 65 per cent of future fuel needs through SAF increasingly difficult.
Walsh attributed the slow progress to ineffective government policies and what he described as a lack of interest from oil companies in expanding production capacity.
He added that recent energy market disruptions should have accelerated investment in renewable fuels but have not translated into the incentives needed to create a viable SAF market.
IATA has called for coordinated action to accelerate the growth of sustainable aviation fuels.
The association said governments and industry stakeholders need to expand renewable energy supplies, ensure open access to fuel infrastructure, strengthen production incentives and investment frameworks, and support the development of a global SAF market with sufficient volumes and commercially viable pricing.
The organisation also stressed the importance of establishing a global "book-and-claim" system, which would allow airlines and fuel producers to participate in the SAF market regardless of location while supporting harmonised standards and fair competition.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I don't think this is just about government policies. Airlines themselves need to take more responsibility. But let's be honest, who is going to pay for this? If ticket prices go up, middle-class families like us will suffer. 😕 Need a balanced approach that doesn't make flying only for the rich.
Honestly, the IATA blaming oil companies is a bit rich. These same companies are making record profits while we talk about sustainability. India should focus on electrifying domestic short-haul flights first. Even if we achieve 2-3% SAF, that's still better than nothing. Rome wasn't built in a day!
This is what happens when you set ambitious targets without proper infrastructure. The 2050 net-zero goal is now looking increasingly unrealistic. I think developing nations like India should be given more time and financial support to transition. Why should we bear the same burden as developed countries who polluted for decades? 🤔
In India, we already have so many other pressing issues – air quality in cities, water scarcity, public transport. SAF is important but shouldn't divert attention from more immediate problems. Also, the government should invest in high-speed rail as an alternative to short-haul flights. That would reduce emissions way more effectively.
The "book-and-claim" system sounds like creative accounting to me. It'll allow airlines to claim they're green while still burning kerosene. Real change requires production at scale, not just financial instruments. That said, I appreciate IATA being honest about the numbers for once instead of sugarcoating.
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