IATA: SAF Production Disappoints
Analysis based on 10 articles · First reported Jun 07, 2026 · Last updated Jun 07, 2026
The slow progress in Aviation biofuel production, as highlighted by International Air Transport Association>>>, indicates a significant challenge for the aviation industry's decarbonization goals, potentially leading to increased costs for airlines and impacting their long-term sustainability efforts. The 'unrealistic' mandates from the European Union>>> and the United Kingdom>>> for e-SAF could further exacerbate these cost pressures and divert resources from effective emissions reductions.
The International Air Transport Association>>> (IATA) released estimates indicating that global Aviation biofuel (SAF) production in 2026 will only reach 2.4 million tonnes, accounting for a mere 0.8% of aviation fuel use, at a cost of USD 4.3 billion to airlines. Willie Walsh>>>, IATA's Director General, expressed significant disappointment, citing ineffective government policies and a lack of interest from oil companies as reasons for the slow progress towards the 2050 net-zero target. IATA is advocating for coordinated action across four key priorities: expanding renewable energy supply, ensuring open access to fuel infrastructure, strengthening policy support with incentives before mandates, and enabling a global SAF market. Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, criticized the European Union>>> and United Kingdom>>>'s 2030 e-SAF targets as 'beyond unrealistic', arguing that imposing mandates before production is enabled will drive up prices and misallocate resources. Passenger surveys show strong support for decarbonization and a willingness to pay more for sustainable air travel.
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