The aviation industry is struggling to meet its sustainability goals for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), according to Willie Walsh, the director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Speaking at an IATA media event in Geneva on Tuesday, Walsh expressed concerns about the slow pace of SAF adoption and its potential to meet net-zero emissions by 2050.
“We are not making the progress we had hoped for, and certainly not as fast as we need to,” Walsh said, highlighting the challenges the aviation sector faces in transitioning to greener fuel sources.
Current SAF Usage and Projected Growth
At present, SAF accounts for just 0.3% of global jet fuel consumption, a figure that is expected to rise only to 0.7% by 2025, according to IATA’s latest data. Despite its potential to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint, the production of SAF must accelerate significantly for the industry to achieve its long-term emissions reduction goals.
A recent IATA study revealed that global SAF production in 2024 is expected to be just 1 metric ton, falling short of last year’s estimate of 1.5 metric tons. The lower-than-expected production highlights the need for swift action and investment to scale up SAF production capabilities.
Challenges in SAF Production
One of the key obstacles facing the industry, according to Walsh, is the insufficient number of biorefineries currently under construction to produce SAF at scale. These biorefineries, which convert renewable resources into jet fuel, require significant capital investments and time to build, slowing down the growth of SAF production.
To address these issues, IATA plans to launch a new initiative in 2025 aimed at improving transparency within the SAF sector. The project will track global SAF efforts and initiatives, helping to provide clearer visibility into the industry’s progress towards meeting its climate goals.
Policy Gaps and Regional Disparities in SAF Development
Walsh also pointed out that Europe is falling behind the United States in terms of creating incentives for SAF production. The U.S. has made significant strides with the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes substantial subsidies for clean energy projects, including SAF. This landmark legislation, signed into law in 2022, is a key component of the U.S. government’s broader efforts to combat climate change.
In contrast, Walsh noted that Europe’s policies have not been as effective in encouraging the necessary investment to build SAF production infrastructure. He also commented on the uncertainty around how the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump might handle the IRA and its potential impact on SAF production.
“There was considerable progress in SAF development during Trump’s first term, so the issue is not as clear-cut as some might think,” Walsh said, indicating that the U.S. has been actively pushing forward on clean energy solutions, even during periods of political transition.
Urgency to Scale Up SAF Production for Net Zero by 2050
With aviation accounting for a significant share of global carbon emissions, the urgency to scale up SAF production is critical. Walsh’s remarks underscore the need for more substantial investments in SAF technology and production infrastructure, as well as stronger government incentives to support the transition to greener fuels.
As the industry faces increasing pressure to reduce emissions, the coming years will be crucial in determining whether SAF can play a significant role in achieving net-zero aviation by 2050.
