IATA to launch Sustainable Aviation Fuel Matchmaker platform by 2025

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced plans to develop a new platform called the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Matchmaker, aimed at connecting airlines with suppliers of sustainable aviation fuel. This initiative had been unveiled at the World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) and is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2025.

IATA’s Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, Marie Owens Thomsen, outlined the vision for the platform, stating, “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 globalisation will be enhanced by the transparency that the SAF Matchmaker will enable.”

The SAF Matchmaker is designed to address three primary issues:

• Connectivity: The platform will allow SAF producers to list available or planned SAF volumes, while airlines can express their interest in purchasing those volumes. However, actual transactions will occur outside of the platform
• Visibility: Users will have access to detailed information about available SAF, including production volumes, feedstock types, production locations and technologies, emissions reductions and compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks like the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED)
• Efficiency: By providing a centralised platform, the SAF Matchmaker aims to streamline the procurement process for SAF, making it easier for airlines and suppliers to connect. Additionally, it will generate valuable market intelligence based on user data.

While the initial focus of the platform will be on airlines and SAF suppliers, IATA plans to expand participation to include governments and corporate buyers of SAF in the future. The development of the SAF Matchmaker is part of IATA’s broader efforts to support the aviation industry’s sustainability goals.