IATA has called on South Africa to mobilise its experience, resources, and infrastructure to accelerate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. The call came as government and industry officials gathered in Johannesburg for the IATA Wings of Change Focus Africa conference on July 2.
South Africa has vast potential to become a leading Sustainable Aviation Fuel producer in the region. And there is a waiting market for SAF as airlines work to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. More than a strategy in support of aviations decarbonisation, it is a strategy for economic development and should be a top priority for the new South African government, said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATAs Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist.
South Africa chaired the 2022 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly at which governments agreed to a long-term goal aligned with the aviation industrys net zero carbon emissions by 2050 commitment. The role of SAF in achieving this goal was emphasised by the ICAO objective of a 5% average global reduction in aviations carbon emissions by 2030.
As decarbonising aviation will require global collaboration, it is critical that global or regional stakeholders like states, development banks, industry, academia and other relevant parties bring forces together to help countries with SAF potential to develop their industry.
Airlines are ready and waiting to purchase SAF as evidenced by the fact that every drop of SAF produced has been purchased and used. But the production volumes are a minute fraction of what aviation needs. Thats why it is essential for governments of countries with production potential, such as South Africa, to embrace what is a unique win-win opportunity for economic development, energy transition, and decarbonised air transportation, said Thomsen.
