IATA calls on industry players to unite for fuel safety and sustainability

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on key players within the aviation industry to unite to ensure fuel supply safety.

The IATA says this is the responsibility of stakeholders within the aviation and air transport fuel supply sectors, who must come together for fuel safety, as well as environmental and commercial issues.

IATA's director general and CEO, Tony Tyler, says the issue of fuel contamination demonstrates the need for new technologies and processes that ensures the safety of fuel supply.

In addition to safety, sustainability is another issue facing the industry today. Responsible for 2% of the world's total CO2 emissions, airlines are now under pressure to slash their GHG output.

One way to do this is with the use of biofuels. Airlines are beginning to trial these 'green' fuels but they still remain expensive and are in short supply.

Governments worldwide are now looking to promote the successful implementation of biofuels on a commercial scale by providing financial support for feedstock research and refining processes. They are also working reduce the risk currently associated with investing in this sector, and provide incentives to airlines who utilise biofuels.

The implementation of these policies has the potential to slash the cost of these alternative fuels and see the implementation of biofuels sooner rather than later.