Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Falls Short of Projections (IATA)
Airlines Face Fueling Frustration as Enduring Aviation Fuel Production Lags
Despite soaring passenger numbers, the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) is falling short of projections, raising concerns about the airline industry’s ability to meet its ambitious climate goals.
The International Air Transport association (IATA) announced Tuesday that SAF production in 2024 is expected to reach 1.3 billion liters, a meaningful increase from the 600 million liters produced in 2023. however,this figure falls short of the 1.9 billion liters initially projected by IATA in June.
“Disappointing” is how IATA Director General Willie Walsh described the news. “This reinforces our message: the problem isn’t demand from airlines,” he told AFP. “The problem is production.”
the shortfall is attributed to delays in ramping up production at U.S. SAF facilities, with some now targeting the first half of 2025 for increased output. IATA anticipates a doubling of production to 2.7 billion liters in 2025, but this would still represent a mere 0.7% of the total fuel consumed by airlines.
This comes at a time when IATA forecasts a record-breaking 5.2 billion air passengers in 2024.
Walsh expressed frustration with major oil companies,stating they haven’t made the necessary investments in SAF production. “It’s a source of great concern for us because it’s in everyone’s interest that we achieve a transition to net-zero CO2 emissions,” he added.
The aviation industry, currently responsible for approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions, has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. SAF is expected to play a crucial role in this goal, accounting for 65% of the emissions reductions, with the remainder coming from new technologies like hydrogen-powered aircraft, operational efficiencies, and carbon offsets.
While SAF production is still in its early stages, it has seen rapid growth, increasing from a mere 25 million liters in 2019. IATA, which represents 340 airlines carrying 80% of global air traffic, remains optimistic about the long-term outlook.
“The 2050 goal isn’t in danger at the moment,” Walsh said. “But if this trend of insufficient growth continues beyond 2030, I will be worried.” He urged governments to provide greater support for SAF production.
Airlines Grounded by Fueling Frustrations: Production Lag Threatens Sustainability Goals
NewsDirect3.com: The aviation industry’s ambitious plans for a sustainable future face turbulence as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production falls behind projections, leading to concerns about achieving crucial climate goals.
Despite record passenger numbers expected to reach 5.2 billion in 2024, the International Air transport Association (IATA) announced that SAF production for next year will reach 1.3 billion liters, significantly lower than the 1.9 billion liters initially projected.
IATA Director General Willie Walsh called the shortfall “disappointing,” emphasizing that the issue lies in production capacity, not airline demand. delays in US SAF facility ramp-up are primarily responsible for the gap, with some facilities now targeting the first half of 2025 for increased output. While production is expected to double to 2.7 billion liters in 2025,this would still represent a mere 0.7% of the total fuel consumed by airlines.
Expressing frustration, Walsh urged major oil companies to increase their investments in SAF production, stating, “Its in everyone’s interest that we achieve a transition to net-zero CO2 emissions.”
The aviation industry, responsible for approximately 3% of global CO2 emissions, aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. SAF is projected to play a crucial role in reaching this goal, contributing 65% to the required emissions reductions. Despite the current setback, IATA remains optimistic about the long-term outlook for SAF, emphasizing the need for continued government support to bolster production levels.