The aviation industry’s journey to sustainability is hitting turbulence, warns Willie Walsh, head of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Despite aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050, airlines are falling short on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption—a critical step to decarbonize flights. 🌍🔥
\"We need to move faster,\" Walsh admitted at a Geneva media event, revealing that SAF currently makes up just 0.3% of global jet fuel use. By 2025, it’s projected to reach only 0.7%—far below what’s needed to meet climate targets. 💨📉
Why the delay? Walsh pointed to underfunded biorefineries and policy gaps. While the U.S. boosted SAF investments through its 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Europe lags in creating similar incentives. With Donald Trump’s administration incoming, questions linger about future U.S. support. 💼🤔
IATA plans to launch a global SAF tracking project in 2025 to improve transparency. But time’s ticking: SAF production in 2024 hit just 1 million metric tons—33% below expectations. Can the industry rev up in time? 🚀🔋
