The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported at its Rio de Janeiro annual meeting that global sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production will hit only 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, or 0.8% of total jet fuel consumption. Airlines are set to spend $4.3 billion on SAF this year, yet supply remains far below the levels needed for the industry's 2050 net-zero goal. IATA's chief economist called EU and UK e-SAF targets for 2030 'utterly detached from reality,' noting current global e-SAF capacity is roughly 20,000 tonnes versus a 600,000-tonne mandate, with no new final investment decisions in the past year. The airline industry relies on SAF for about 65% of its planned emissions reductions, but production growth has stalled despite years of discussion. IATA is pushing for more renewable energy production, better fuel infrastructure, and investment-friendly policies before governments impose consumption mandates. The association also supports a global book-and-claim system for SAF credits. Meanwhile, a passenger survey found 89% support continued aviation decarbonization regardless of government policy, with SAF seen as the preferred option over other technologies or taxes.
