The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released its methodology for accounting and reporting the emissions reduction associated with the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) by airlines.
The association said its methodology fulfils the need for ensuring the accounting of SAF's contribution to the decarbonisation of aviation is accurate, consistent, and transparent.
The publication of this methodology is a step towards the launch of the IATA SAF registry scheduled for April this year.
“[The methodology] is an essential component of the soon-to-be launched IATA SAF registry which will enable airlines to claim SAF benefits against their regulatory and voluntary obligations, irrespective of where SAF was uplifted,” said IATA SVP sustainability and chief economist Marie Owens Thomsen. “The transparency of a published global standard methodology will give confidence the registry is robust and fair, with no double-counting.”
The methodology includes purchase-based emissions calculations that align with ICAO's CORSIA approach. In addition, it includes optional tank-to-wake (TTW) or well-to-wake (WTW) emissions factors, which IATA said will allow for it to meet varying regulatory and voluntary requirements.
The IATA SAF accounting and reporting methodology was developed in collaboration with over 40 airline experts globally. The association said it is feedstock-agnostic and technology-neutral.