IATA Highlights SAF Market Development and Sustainability Efforts at AGM 2026
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aviation decarbonization strategies and the development of a global SAF marketplace were among the key topics discussed during a sustainability-focused media briefing at IATA AGM 2026 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The session featured presentations by Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist, Hemant Mistry, Director Energy Transition, and Preeti Jain, Head of Net Zero Research and Programs.
During the briefing, IATA representatives emphasized the importance of scaling SAF production to support the aviation industry’s net-zero emissions target. Discussions focused on current supply limitations, infrastructure challenges, and efforts to create a more efficient and globally accessible SAF market.
IATA also provided updates on the CADO SAF Registry initiative, which aims to establish a transparent global framework for SAF accounting and environmental claims. According to the presentation, the registry currently involves 146 participating organizations from across the aviation and energy sectors.
Another key topic was the “Book-and-Claim” model, which would allow airlines to purchase SAF-related emissions reductions without requiring physical fuel delivery at a specific location. IATA believes this approach could help accelerate SAF adoption, expand market participation, and reduce overall costs.
The briefing concluded with discussions on global SAF production outlooks, regulatory cooperation, and the need for coordinated industry action to ensure aviation decarbonization efforts remain both effective and economically sustainable.
