Sustainable Aviation Fuel Targets at Risk Says IATA

The aviation industry faces mounting pressure as sustainable aviation fuel production targets appear increasingly out of reach, according to IATA leadership.

Targets Under Threat

Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA, has stated that airline targets to achieve a 10% mix of sustainable aviation fuel by 2030 will be impossible to meet at current production rates.

SAF output reached approximately 1.9 million tons in 2025, nearly doubling from 2024. However, growth is projected to slow significantly, reaching only 2.4 million tons in 2026.

Scale of the Challenge

Even with recent production increases, SAF represents less than 1% of total global jet fuel consumption. The gap between current production and the volumes needed for meaningful emissions reductions remains substantial.

Path Forward

Industry leaders are calling for stronger government incentives and investment in SAF production facilities. Without accelerated scaling, the industry’s net-zero 2050 ambitions face significant obstacles.