The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has expressed strong dissatisfaction with the pace of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production, suggesting that the aviation sector's ambitious net-zero emissions goals are now under considerable threat. While SAF output is anticipated to reach approximately 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, representing a 25% increase from 2025, this growth rate marks a substantial slowdown compared to the 90% rise observed in 2025.
This deceleration in SAF production is a critical issue for freight forwarders and air cargo operators. The availability and cost of SAF directly influence the ability of airlines to meet their environmental commitments, which in turn affects forwarders' scope 3 emissions reporting and their own sustainability initiatives. Limited SAF supply could lead to higher prices, potentially increasing air freight costs and making it more difficult for shippers to choose greener air cargo options. Forwarders may face challenges in securing capacity on routes operated by airlines committed to higher SAF blends, or they might see increased pressure to find alternative, less carbon-intensive transport modes for certain shipments.
Looking ahead, the pressure on SAF producers to scale up output will intensify. The aviation industry's ability to decarbonize hinges significantly on the widespread adoption of SAF. Without a substantial acceleration in production, airlines and their logistics partners will struggle to meet regulatory and corporate sustainability mandates, potentially leading to increased operational costs and a slower transition to environmentally friendly air freight.
