Aviation falling behind in efforts to reduce carbon emissions

Aviation risks missing 'net zero' targets without faster progress on sustainable aviation fuel production, IATA warns

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general, criticized politicians for failing to address aviation decarbonization in a coordinated manner, expressing doubts about airlines meeting the EU’s target of 6% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) usage by 2030.

Key takeaways

• The EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) expects the 2030 SAF target to be met, but Walsh remains skeptical, warning the 2040 target of 34% SAF is “extremely difficult” and progress is lagging;
• Walsh highlighted the flaws in SAF mandates, noting producers face fines for insufficient SAF production but often pass these costs onto airlines and, ultimately, consumers;
• He criticized major fuel producers for reducing their SAF commitments, calling this behavior evidence of the inadequacy of mandates;
• Walsh pointed to the U.S. as a leader in SAF development, citing the Inflation Reduction Act and significant investments in sustainable fuel facilities, contrasting it with Europe’s slower progress.

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