Global production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is expected to reach a new record in 2026, yet aviation leaders say the industry remains far from the scale needed to achieve long-term decarbonization goals.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), worldwide SAF production is projected to reach approximately 2.4 million metric tons, or nearly 793 million gallons, this year. That represents an increase of more than 25% compared to 2025 and marks another step forward for the emerging fuel sector. Despite the growth, SAF is still expected to account for less than 1% of total global aviation fuel consumption.
The aviation industry has identified SAF as its primary pathway for reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions from long-haul flights, where electrification and hydrogen technologies remain years away from widespread deployment. Industry roadmaps generally anticipate SAF providing the majority of emissions reductions needed for commercial aviation to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
However, IATA officials argue that current production growth remains well below what is required to stay on that trajectory. While new SAF facilities continue to come online and additional production capacity is under development worldwide, supply remains constrained by feedstock availability, project financing challenges, infrastructure limitations, and policy uncertainty in many regions.
The association has also highlighted growing public support for aviation decarbonization. Recent passenger research conducted by IATA found that a large majority of travelers believe the airline industry should continue pursuing emissions reductions regardless of changes in government climate policies. Many respondents indicated a willingness to support sustainability initiatives financially, particularly when investments are directed toward solutions that directly reduce aviation emissions.
Among potential decarbonization strategies, passengers expressed the strongest support for investments in sustainable aviation fuel and next-generation emissions-reduction technologies. By contrast, relatively few respondents viewed taxes as the most effective mechanism for lowering aviation-related emissions.
To accelerate SAF deployment, IATA is calling for a coordinated approach that expands renewable energy production, increases access to fuel infrastructure, and establishes stable policy frameworks that encourage investment in new production capacity. The organization also continues to advocate for the development of a global SAF marketplace supported by harmonized sustainability standards and book-and-claim systems that allow environmental attributes to be transferred independently from the physical fuel.
Supporters argue that these market mechanisms can help overcome geographic barriers by allowing airlines to purchase verified SAF credits even when sustainable fuel is not physically available at a particular airport. As governments, airlines, fuel producers, and investors continue to pursue aviation decarbonization strategies, industry leaders maintain that scaling SAF production remains one of the most important—and most immediate—opportunities for reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.
While production volumes are reaching record levels, SAF’s share of the global jet fuel market remains relatively small. Industry stakeholders therefore continue to emphasize that sustained investment, supportive policies, and expanded production capacity will be necessary if SAF is to play the central role envisioned in achieving aviation’s long-term climate goals.
Adapted from an article originally shared by Biomass Magazine. Image Credit: iStock by Getty Images (licensed)