IATA and ICAO Strengthen SAF Tracking Partnership

IATA and ICAO have expanded their joint efforts to improve how progress on Sustainable Aviation Fuels is measured and reported. The announcement came during ICAO Aviation Climate Week on 2 June 2026, with both organizations focusing on stronger data systems and clearer tracking methods. ## Agreement Details The two bodies will examine how existing SAF registries can feed into the ICAO Long-Term Aspirational Goal Monitoring and Reporting methodology. They will also review fuel accounting systems used for international aviation. The goal is to create consistent records of cleaner energy use that align with both IATA and ICAO targets for net zero carbon emissions by 2050. High-quality data and robust systems form the foundation of the new arrangement. Industry and state collaboration is expected to deliver transparent records of emissions reductions achieved through SAF. [IATA’s press release](https://www.iata.org/en/pressroom/2026-releases/06-02-iata-icao-deepen-cooperation-boosting-sustainable-aviation-fuels/) outlines the shared commitment to credible measurement. ## Leadership Statements IATA Director General Willie Walsh noted that credible tracking shows the emissions reductions delivered by SAF. He highlighted the CADO SAF Registry as one source whose data could meet this requirement. Walsh added that closer work with ICAO on measurement and reporting will accelerate deployment and build stakeholder trust. ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar emphasized the need for transparency across the sector. He stated that the agreement will reinforce ICAO’s leadership role while helping states and industry scale up sustainable aviation fuels. Improved global monitoring of production, distribution, and use is intended to protect the integrity of fuel accounting systems. ## Organizational Context IATA represents over 370 airlines that account for some 85 percent of global air traffic. ICAO, a specialized agency of the United Nations, develops standards and policies for civil aviation and supports their implementation among its 193 member states. The new cooperation draws on these respective strengths to advance shared climate objectives. Further details on the initiative appear in coverage from established aviation outlets such as [Simple Flying](https://simpleflying.com/). The focus remains on data integrity rather than immediate operational changes. ## Path Forward Both organizations will continue exploring practical ways to link registry data with ICAO frameworks. This step is presented as an example for individual states to follow when working with industry on accumulated SAF information. Why it matters for AeroLink pilots: Clearer global tracking of SAF volumes and emissions reductions provides the data foundation that future airline sustainability reports will rely on, helping crews understand how their carriers document progress toward the 2050 net zero target.