International Air Transport Association (IATA), a global association of over 300 leading airlines, recently released its methodology for accounting and reporting the emissions reduction associated with the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) by airlines developed in collaboration with 40 airline experts worldwide.

In a press statement, IATA says that SAF is an essential component of airline plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The IATA methodology fulfils the critical need to ensure that SAF’s contribution to aviation’s decarbonisation is accurately, consistently, and transparently accounted.

“The IATA methodology will provide a consistent approach to accounting for the environmental benefits of SAF purchases, regardless of location. This is an essential component of the soon-to-be launched IATA SAF Registry which will enable airlines to claim SAF benefits against their regulatory and voluntary obligations, irrespective of where SAF was uplifted. The transparency of a published global standard methodology will give confidence that the Registry is robust and fair, with no double-counting. This is essential in creating a functioning global SAF market,” says Marie Owens Thomsen, SVP Sustainability and Chief Economist, IATA.

Marie Owens Thomsen

The statement adds that publication of the IATA SAF accounting and reporting methodology is a critical step in the preparation of the IATA SAF Registry which is scheduled to launch in April 2025, which is expected to play a key role in creating a functioning global SAF market.

Key features of the methodology include purchase-based emissions calculations, irrespective of chain-of-custody used and SAF uplift locations, aligning with ICAO’s CORSIA approach, and optional tank-to-wake (TTW) or well-to-wake (WTW) emissions factors to meet varying regulatory and voluntary requirements. Additionally, the methodology also features a consistent accounting approach to address regulatory and voluntary compliance needs.