• Carbon Check (India) recently shared insights about the growing momentum behind Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), following a resolution at the 77th IATA AGM for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
• The post highlights how refiners, engine manufacturers, and airlines are aligning to scale SAF across aviation, with efforts focused on quality, certification, and technology innovation.

A recent LinkedIn post from Carbon Check (India) Private Limited has highlighted how Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) continues to shape the aviation industry’s path to net-zero emissions, following a landmark resolution passed by member airlines at the 77th IATA AGM in Boston on 4 October 2021.

The resolution, aiming for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, is already seeing significant industry mobilisation. As Carbon Check notes:

“With the passing of this resolution – the aviation fuel makers, the engine manufacturers and the technology companies have come together to make the mission a grand reality with thumping success.”

By 2024, SAF had become “the buzz word” across the aviation sector, and momentum is expected to build further in the coming years. Carbon Check outlines the roles various players are taking in this transition:

Refiners & technology companies are developing new SAF production methods from varied feedstocks. Aircraft engine manufacturers are testing SAF blends in current engines and developing systems to run on 100% SAF. Airlines are ramping up the use of SAF as drop-in fuel across aircraft fleets. They also underscore the importance of quality standards and compliance:

“There can’t be any compromise in fuel quality under the guise of emission. SAF must meet the same rigorous specifications of conventional jet fuel (ASTM D1655).”

The post goes on to explain that the primary SAF standard is ASTM D7566, designed to uphold safety and efficiency. SAF must comply with these specifications to be cleared for use by OEMs.

A key consideration in SAF development is carbon intensity (CI). Carbon Check adds: “Lower the life cycle emission value, higher is the SAF price.”

A detailed table in their post compares feedstocks like palm oil, sugarcane, municipal waste, and recycled carbon gases, showing potential CI reductions ranging from 20% to over 90%.
On certification, the company clarifies:

“The only certification, recognised and accepted by the international community, is ISCC – International Sustainability & Carbon Certification.”Three key ISCC standards are described:

• ISCC PLUS – Voluntary scheme for all feedstocks.
  ISCC EU – EU-recognised certification under RED III.
  ISCC CORSIA – For international aviation under ICAO’s emissions framework.

Finally, on the question of raw material flexibility, Carbon Check notes:

“There is a list of prescribed raw materials (waste or byproduct or coproduct) and corresponding pathways… as per ISCC CORSIA guidelines.”
The SAF feedstock list continues to evolve, and companies can apply for certification of new pathways. Carbon Check adds:

“Without ISCC endorsement, SAF will be recognised neither by aircraft manufacturers nor by the airlines.”
With aviation’s carbon targets looming, SAF remains central to industry transformation—and the ecosystem of compliance, innovation, and investment around it is rapidly maturing.

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