IATA urges EU legislators to adopt a cautious approach on SAF blending mandate scope

IATA has indicated it supports mandating the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) on international flights departing EU airports, which the European Commission is expected to propose in its upcoming ReFuelEU Aviation legislation, but only with what it considers should be the “right framework” that includes initially restricting the mandate to intra-EU flights. The trade association, representing some 290 airlines worldwide, also wants a higher priority placed on achieving global agreement on longer-term environmental goals. Senior IATA executives Sebastian Mikosz, SVP Member and External Relations, and Michael Gill, Director Aviation Environment, explain to Mark Pilling the association’s position on SAF mandates, efforts with airline members and others to achieve industry consensus on climate targets, and advocating measures that push the industry towards real emission reductions. [...]