IATA welcomes the new European plan to boost sustainable aviation, but calls for stronger action

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) expressed its support for the new Sustainable Transport Investment Plan (STIP) launched by the European Commission, highlighting that it represents a significant step towards a greener future for aviation. However, the organization stressed that stronger policies are still needed to achieve the emissions reduction targets within the established timeframes

Among the positive aspects, IATA appreciated that the plan recognizes the importance of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) as central to decarbonization, in addition to including the simplification of reporting for airlines and the strengthening of the European Union's Sustainable Certification Database (UDB).

However, the organization noted that critical challenges remain. One of the main ones is ensuring that the book-and-claim mechanism—which allows airlines to purchase SAFs without them needing to be physically supplied at the airport where they operate—is truly accessible and functional. It also stressed the need to create a transparent and predictable market that reduces the price gap between conventional and sustainable fuels, one of the main barriers to their widespread adoption.

IATA further emphasized that Europe must maintain a technologically neutral approach to SAF production, supporting different sources such as advanced biofuels or synthetic fuels (e-SAFs), without limiting itself to a single development pathway

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to the global goal of achieving net-zero emissions in aviation by 2050, but stressed that this objective will only be achievable if public policies, infrastructure, and investments effectively support the efforts of the private sector.

For Latin America, the announcement has important implications, as the region participates in international SAF production and supply chains. Regulatory developments in Europe could open new opportunities for exporters, producers, and air operators seeking to align with global sustainability standards

Source: International Air Transport Association (IATA)