IATA Unveils Sustainable Aviation Fuel Registry to Propel Emission Reduction Efforts
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry to facilitate the global market for SAF, aimed at supporting the aviation industry's transition to net-zero emissions by 2050.
IATA Unveils Sustainable Aviation Fuel Registry to Propel Emission Reduction Efforts
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) officially launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry with its release to the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO).
The Registry, now operational under CADO management, will foster a global market for SAF, enhancing the movement toward net-zero emissions by 2050.
IATA representatives emphasized that achieving decarbonization in global aviation demands a collaborative effort. They stated:
“In releasing the SAF Registry to CADO for launch, we have put in place a critical platform for the benefit of all stakeholders. It ensures that all airlines globally have access to SAF and their purchases can be recorded against climate obligations. The Registry will track the environmental attributes of SAF purchases in a secure manner, preventing double counting.”
Officials acknowledged that while this represents a significant advancement, further progress relies on robust policy support to expand renewable energy production.
According to IATA’s senior vice-president for sustainability and chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen:
“Governments must shift their direct support from fossil fuel production toward renewable energy. The successes of the wind and solar energy sectors should serve as a guiding model, and this needs to happen without delay.”
What is the SAF Registry?
The SAF Registry is a universal system for documenting SAF transactions in a consistent and transparent manner. It ensures that the environmental benefits of SAF can be monitored throughout its value chain, allowing airlines and their corporate clients to claim these benefits against regulatory and voluntary schemes. The Registry addresses the challenge of limited SAF availability by linking airlines with producers regardless of location.
The SAF Registry promotes diverse production methods, accommodating specific regulations while favoring worldwide standardization. Interoperability with other registries is a key aspect, fostering competition and open markets.
Developed in collaboration with airlines, government bodies, fuel producers, and travel management companies, the Registry has already onboarded over 30 users preparing to utilize the system, supported by the IATA SAF Accounting and Reporting Methodology.
