Global production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is expected to rise sharply in 2026, but volumes will still account for less than one per cent of total jet fuel demand, highlighting the scale of the aviation sector’s decarbonisation challenge.
According to projections released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global SAF output is expected to increase by more than 26 per cent compared with the previous year to reach around 2.4 million tonnes. Despite that growth, SAF is projected to supply only 0.8 per cent of total jet fuel consumption worldwide, Oils & Fats International reported.
IATA described the pace of expansion as insufficient relative to the industry’s long-term emissions goals.
The organisation estimates airlines will spend approximately US$4.3 billion on SAF this year as carriers continue to increase use of lower-carbon aviation fuels.
Commenting on the outlook, IATA Director General Willie Walsh said progress toward achieving aviation’s long-term target of meeting a significant share of fuel demand through SAF is becoming increasingly difficult due to policy challenges and limited momentum in fuel supply expansion.
He said current market conditions underline the need to accelerate investment in renewable energy and scale up production of sustainable aviation fuels.
At the same time, IATA’s latest passenger survey suggests continued public support for reducing aviation emissions.
According to the survey conducted in April, 89 per cent of passengers believe the aviation industry should continue efforts to cut emissions even if governments reduce climate-related action. Around 66 per cent said they would be willing to pay higher fares to offset emissions, while nearly 88 per cent expect airline ticket prices to increase as sustainability investments expand.
Passenger preferences also showed support for direct investment in cleaner fuel technologies, with 25 per cent identifying SAF as the preferred area for funding and 23 per cent favouring investment in emissions-reduction technologies. Only 10 per cent supported tax-based approaches to lowering emissions.
To accelerate deployment, IATA called for coordinated action focused on expanding renewable energy availability, improving access to fuel infrastructure including pipelines and airport fuel systems, strengthening policy frameworks and building a global SAF market capable of supplying sufficient volumes at commercially viable prices.
IATA represents more than 370 airlines worldwide and accounts for approximately 85 per cent of global air traffic.
