Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production is expected to account for just 0,8% of global aviation fuel use in 2026, a level that IATA says is far below what will be needed to meet the industry’s 2050 emissions goals.
According to IATA, SAF production is forecast to reach around 2,4 million tonnes this year, but achieving that level of supply will cost airlines an estimated US$4,3bn (R70,7bn).The industry has identified SAF as the single largest contributor to its decarbonisation strategy, with a target of supplying 65% of aviation fuel’s needs by 2050, highlighting the scale of the challenge facing airlines as they work towards nett-zero emissions by 2050.
“SAF production will only account for 0,8% of airline fuel use this year. The path to meeting 65% in 2050 is growing more difficult with ineffectively sequenced government policies and oil companies’ manifest lack of interest. The current energy shock should add more urgency to the development of renewables, including SAF,” said Willie Walsh, IATA Director General.
The latest IATA passenger survey (April 2026) shows strong support for reducing carbon emissions, with 89% of passengers saying the industry should continue reducing emissions even if governments scale back their efforts.
About two-thirds of passengers are willing to pay more to compensate for emissions, and nearly 88% expect ticket prices to rise as a result of sustainability investments.
According to the survey, sustainability is influencing behaviour as nearly half of travellers (48%) look at carbon emissions when choosing flights, and among those who do, over 85% say it affects their decision.
