The International Transport Association (IATA) is developing a Matchmaker Platform to connect airlines with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) suppliers.
The SAF Matchmaker will address key areas, such as transparency and connectivity, enabling SAF producers and suppliers to communicate their available SAF quantities, then allowing airlines to register interest in purchasing SAF, or requesting it for future production. Another focus area is visibility, with the platform showcasing information on the SAF supply, including volumes, feedstocks, location of production, emission reduction and compliance with the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Equally, the platform will collect and develop market data, allowing for more efficient trades.
While the platform’s debut will be solely for airlines and suppliers, governments and non-aviation corporate SAF buyers will be included in time, and although it has not been overtly stated, airports could also have access.
With airports, including London Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol, purchasing and providing SAF to airlines, a matchmaker platform such as this could fundamentally facilitate the management and acquisition of SAF supply, further enabling airports to assist airlines in reducing carbon emissions.
“Our vision is to create a transparent, efficient, and accessible matchmaking platform that will accelerate the uptake of SAF as the aviation industry progresses towards net zero CO2 emissions by 2050,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Sustainability and Chief Economist. “The platform will do that by reducing the costs and complications that airlines face when looking for SAF suppliers. The SAF market’s maturity and globalization will be enhanced by the transparency that the SAF Matchmaker will enable. Every step in that direction is of great importance, considering that SAF is air transportation’s most significant decarbonization tool.”
The announcement was made at the World Sustainability Symposium (WSS), and the platform is expected to launch in early 2025.
