IATA, Airbus, Accenture: SAF Demand to Hit 1.9M Tonnes by 2030

Corporate SAF Demand Poised for Significant Growth

A comprehensive market study by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Airbus, and Accenture projects a substantial increase in corporate demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Environmental Attribute Certificates (EAc). The report estimates that corporate acquisitions could drive SAF uptake to between 1.0 million and 1.9 million tonnes annually by 2030.

This figure represents a considerable rise from the approximately 323,000 tonnes recorded in 2024, showing a growing interest from businesses in decarbonising their air travel and cargo operations. The study highlights the potential for corporate buyers to become a key driver in scaling SAF production globally.

Market Hurdles and the "Book-and-Claim" Solution

Despite SAF’s capacity to significantly reduce aviation emissions compared to conventional jet fuel, its widespread adoption faces several obstacles. Global production in 2026 is forecast to reach only 2.4 million tonnes, accounting for a mere 0.8% of total jet fuel consumption. Furthermore, SAF remains two to three times more expensive than its fossil fuel counterpart.

The study identifies unclear accounting rules, high prices, and complex purchasing processes as primary deterrents to greater corporate participation.

To overcome these, the report advocates for an effective "book-and-claim" system, enabling companies to claim emissions reductions from SAF purchases regardless of the fuel's physical delivery location, thereby expanding market participation and sharing costs.

Priorities for Unlocking Corporate Engagement

The joint study outlines three critical priorities to foster increased corporate engagement in the SAF market. First, it calls for clear and consistent accounting rules to assure companies that their emissions reduction claims will be formally recognised.

Second, transparent and interoperable tracking systems are essential to prevent double-counting and maintain environmental integrity across the supply chain. Finally, the report recommends simpler purchasing mechanisms, including enhanced price transparency, reduced minimum purchase volumes, and shorter contract durations, to make SAF EAc more accessible.

Currently, airlines represent the largest corporate buyers, accounting for approximately 53% of certificate purchases. While EAc typically cost USD 150 to USD 500 per tonne of CO2e abated, companies generally express a willingness to pay closer to USD 300.

Asia's Role in Accelerating SAF Adoption

For Asia’s rapidly expanding aviation sector, the insights from the IATA, Airbus, and Accenture study are particularly relevant.

As airlines across the continent, from Singapore Airlines to Cathay Pacific, commit to ambitious sustainability targets, the ability to involve corporate partners in SAF procurement becomes crucial for managing costs and accelerating decarbonisation efforts.

Clearer accounting standards and simplified purchasing processes, as advocated by the study, could significantly reduce barriers for Asian businesses looking to offset their business travel and cargo emissions.

This framework would encourage more companies in key Asian aviation hubs to invest in SAF EAc, driving demand and potentially contributing to lower prices and increased production capacity across the region by the end of the decade.