IATA Sees ‘Disappointingly Slow’ Growth in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production

SAF. Photo source: United Airlines.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released updated estimates for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, showing slower-than-expected growth.

According to the association, in 2024, SAF production reached 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion liters), double the 0.5 million tonnes produced in 2023 but below the expected 1.5 million tonnes. SAF currently accounts for 0.3 percent of global jet fuel production and 11 percent of renewable fuel globally.

In 2025, SAF production is projected to reach 2.1 million tonnes (2.7 billion liters), or 0.7 percent of global jet fuel production.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh highlighted that although SAF volumes are increasing, the growth is “disappointingly slow”. He called on governments to phase out fossil fuel subsidies and replace them with production incentives to accelerate the transition to renewable energy, including SAF.

“Governments must provide clear policies supporting renewable energy,” said Walsh. “The airline industry is eager to invest in SAF, but investors are waiting for long-term assurances. SAF investors can make money, but it requires a slow and steady approach.”

According to IATA, aviation’s decarbonization must be seen as part of the broader global energy transition, not just a transport issue. IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability, Marie Owens Thomsen, pointed out that renewable fuel refineries will produce a range of fuels for various industries, with SAF as only a minor share.

To meet the goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, IATA projects that 3,000 to 6,500 new renewable fuel plants will be required, costing $128 billion annually. This is significantly less than investments needed for wind and solar energy.

Short-term measures for SAF expansion

To accelerate SAF production, IATA advocates three critical measures:

– Increase Co-Processing: Expanding co-processing of renewable feedstocks at existing refineries could save $347 billion by 2050.
– Diversify SAF Production: Scaling up production using alternative methods like Alcohol-to-Jet and Fischer-Tropsch can boost SAF volumes.
– Create a Global SAF Accounting Framework: Establishing a registry to ensure transparent SAF purchases and prevent double counting is essential for a global SAF market.
Public Support for SAF

A recent IATA survey revealed that 86 percent of travelers support government incentives for SAF production and believe oil companies should prioritize supplying SAF to airlines.