Tapping into Africa’s SAF potential

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has called on South Africa to mobilise its experience, resources and infrastructure to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the country.
“South Africa has vast potential to become a leading SAF producer in the region,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice-president for sustainability and chief economist.
“Additionally there is a waiting market for SAF as airlines work to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
“More than a strategy in support of aviation’s decarbonisation, it is a strategy for economic development and should be a top priority for the new South African government.
“Across agriculture, energy and transportation, new jobs and industries are waiting to be created that would not only help fight poverty but also contribute to greater energy independence.”
Development
South Africa chaired the 2022 ICAO Assembly at which governments agreed to a long-term goal aligned with the aviation industry’s net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 commitment.
The role of SAF in achieving this goal was...