The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have announced enhanced cooperation to improve the tracking, reporting and transparency of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage as the aviation sector progresses towards its net-zero emissions objective for 2050.

The announcement was made during ICAO Aviation Climate Week and focuses on strengthening the systems used to monitor SAF production, distribution and utilisation across the global aviation industry.

Focus on transparency and accountability

According to IATA and ICAO, improved collaboration between industry stakeholders and governments will support more credible monitoring of emissions reductions achieved through the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The initiative aims to enhance the collection, monitoring and reporting of SAF-related data through transparent and robust information systems.

The organisations said reliable tracking methodologies are increasingly important as SAF adoption expands and aviation stakeholders seek greater confidence in emissions accounting processes.

Supporting global climate objectives

Under the agreement, IATA and ICAO will explore how SAF registries and associated data can contribute to the implementation of ICAO’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) Monitoring and Reporting methodology. The organisations will also assess how fuel accounting systems can support broader international aviation emissions reporting frameworks.

The collaboration is intended to strengthen the frameworks supporting ICAO’s objective of achieving net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050 while improving confidence in the environmental benefits associated with SAF deployment.

Industry and regulators aligned

IATA Director General Willie Walsh stated that credible tracking systems are essential for accurately measuring emissions reductions achieved through SAF use and for assessing progress towards industry climate goals. He noted that SAF registry data can play an important role in supporting these efforts.

ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar highlighted the importance of transparency and cooperation across the aviation ecosystem. He said enhanced monitoring capabilities would strengthen global fuel accounting systems and support consistent recognition of climate-related investments within ICAO frameworks.

Building confidence in SAF deployment

The two organisations believe that improved reporting frameworks and stronger data-sharing mechanisms can help accelerate SAF adoption by increasing confidence among airlines, fuel producers, investors and governments. They also aim to ensure that progress towards aviation decarbonisation is measured consistently across international markets.

IATA represents more than 370 airlines, accounting for approximately 85% of global air traffic, while ICAO serves as the United Nations specialised agency responsible for developing international civil aviation standards and policies.