IATA and ICAO Join Forces to Boost Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tracking

Aviation is working toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a target that depends heavily on the large-scale adoption of SAF and other cleaner energy solutions.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have announced stronger cooperation to improve the way Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are tracked, measured and reported across the aviation sector.

The announcement was made during ICAO Aviation Climate Week, where both organizations emphasized the importance of reliable data and transparent reporting in helping the aviation industry achieve its long-term climate goals.

Aviation is working toward net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, a target that depends heavily on the large-scale adoption of SAF and other cleaner energy solutions. Industry leaders say accurate tracking systems are essential because they provide a clear picture of how much emissions reduction is actually being achieved and where further progress is needed.

The enhanced collaboration will focus on creating stronger frameworks that allow governments, airlines and other stakeholders to monitor the contribution of cleaner aviation fuels with greater confidence.

Reliable data seen as key to accelerating SAF adoption

A major part of the agreement involves exploring how SAF registries and the information they collect can support ICAO's Long-Term Aspirational Goal Monitoring and Reporting methodology. The organizations will also examine how fuel accounting systems can be strengthened for international aviation.

Industry experts believe that one of the biggest challenges in scaling up sustainable aviation fuel is ensuring that environmental benefits can be measured consistently across different countries and markets. Transparent accounting systems help prevent confusion, improve credibility and give investors and policymakers greater confidence when supporting new projects.

IATA Director General Willie Walsh said credible tracking is necessary to verify the emissions reductions delivered by sustainable aviation fuels. He noted that information gathered through systems such as the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO) SAF Registry could play an important role in strengthening emissions reporting and accelerating SAF deployment worldwide.

Walsh also stressed that cooperation between governments and industry will be essential to make effective use of the growing volume of sustainability data being generated across the aviation sector.

Industry and governments seek a common path to net zero

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar said achieving the organization's vision of net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050 will require unprecedented levels of transparency and collaboration throughout the industry.

He explained that improving visibility into SAF production, distribution and usage can help create stronger global monitoring systems while ensuring that climate-related investments receive consistent recognition under international aviation frameworks.

The agreement reflects a broader effort by aviation stakeholders to establish common standards as demand for sustainable fuels grows. Airlines, fuel producers, regulators and governments are increasingly looking for ways to build trust in emissions reporting while ensuring that climate claims can be independently verified.

As the aviation sector continues its transition toward cleaner energy sources, both IATA and ICAO believe that stronger data systems and internationally aligned reporting practices will help speed up progress. Better monitoring tools can provide a clearer understanding of where sustainable fuels are being used, how much emissions reduction is being achieved and what additional steps are needed to keep the industry on track toward its 2050 climate ambitions.

The partnership also sends a signal that addressing aviation's environmental challenges will require coordinated action across borders, combining industry expertise, government support and robust data systems to deliver meaningful and measurable results.

Tags: IATA, ICAO, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, SAF, Aviation Industry, Net Zero Emissions, Climate Action, Aviation Climate Week, Sustainable Aviation, Carbon Reduction