“Our vision is to create a transparent, efficient, and accessible matchmaking platform that will accelerate the uptake of SAF as the aviation industry progresses towards net zero CO2 emissions by 2050”- Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior VP, Sustainability and Chief Economist
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will create the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Matchmaker to link airlines and SAF suppliers. The development was announced at the World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) with an expected launch date in the first quarter of 2025.
The SAF Matchmaker will address three critical issues: Connectivity, Visibility, and Efficiency. With regards to Connectivity, SAF producers and suppliers will be able to post available or planned SAF volumes, while airlines can register their interest in purchasing the shown or desired SAF volumes; any subsequent trades will occur outside the platform.
In terms of Visibility, the platform will provide comprehensive information on the available SAF, including volumes, feedstock used, production location and technology, emissions reductions, as well as compliance with the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) or the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED).
For Efficiency, the availability of a central platform will simplify SAF procurement, making it easier and faster for all parties to connect, and will facilitate the development of market intelligence based on data generated by the platform.
“Our vision is to create a transparent, efficient, and accessible matchmaking platform that will accelerate the uptake of SAF as the aviation industry progresses towards net zero CO2 emissions by 2050. The platform will do that by reducing the costs and complications that airlines face when looking for SAF suppliers. The SAF market’s maturity and globalization will be enhanced by the transparency that the SAF Matchmaker will enable. Every step in that direction is of great importance, considering that SAF is air transportation’s most significant decarbonization tool,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist.
The initial focus of the platform will be airlines and SAF suppliers. In due course governments and non-aviation corporate SAF buyers will also be able to participate.
