IATA, Airbus and Accenture Highlight SAF Demand Potential
The International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airbus, and Accenture released a SAF Environmental Attribute Certificate (EAc) Market study which estimates that corporate purchases could support between 1.0 million and 1.9 million tonnes of SAF by 2030, up from an estimated 323,000 tonnes in 2024.
Corporate Demand Could Boost SAF Adoption
- A new study estimates corporate purchases could support 1.0 to 1.9 million tonnes of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by 2030, up from an estimated 323,000 tonnes in 2024.
- Stronger corporate participation could help accelerate SAF production and aviation decarbonization.
SAF Remains Critical but Costly
- SAF is considered aviation's most important decarbonization solution.
- Global SAF production in 2026 is expected to reach 2.4 million tonnes, representing just 0.8% of total jet fuel use.
- SAF currently costs two to three times more than conventional jet fuel.
Role of SAF Environmental Attribute Certificates (EACs)
- SAF EACs allow companies to support emissions reductions from business travel and air cargo through a book-and-claim system.
- This enables corporates to contribute to SAF costs and claim Scope 3 emissions reductions, regardless of where the fuel is used.
Untapped Corporate Opportunity
- SAF EAC prices typically range between USD 150-500 per tonne of CO2e abated.
- Companies report a willingness to pay around USD 300 per tonne.
- Only about 15% of surveyed corporates currently purchase SAF certificates.
Airlines Lead Current Purchases
- Airlines account for approximately 53% of corporate SAF certificate purchases.
- They remain the largest source of certificates for companies seeking to address travel-related emissions.
Three Priorities to Unlock Demand
- Clear and consistent accounting rules for emissions claims.
- Transparent and interoperable tracking systems to prevent double counting.
- Simpler purchasing processes, including better price transparency and lower purchasing barriers.
Industry Outlook
- Corporate participation alone will not deliver the scale of SAF needed.
- Continued government support, incentives and significant increases in SAF production capacity remain essential.
- Easier, more transparent and credible participation could help unlock broader corporate investment and accelerate aviation's net-zero transition.
