The International Air Transport Association has established the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization to oversee the soon-to-be-launched Sustainable Aviation Fuel Registry, a key initiative aimed at accelerating the aviation sector’s shift toward net-zero emissions.

According to a statement, the SAF Registry, developed by IATA, is designed to serve as a global system for recording and tracking transactions of sustainable aviation fuel.

It aims to enhance transparency and accountability across the SAF value chain, ensuring that airlines and corporate customers can properly claim emissions reductions under regulatory frameworks and voluntary initiatives.

CADO, incorporated as a not-for-profit entity headquartered in Montreal, will operate independently from IATA. The organization is open to stakeholders across the SAF value chain, including governments, fuel producers, airlines and related interest groups.

SAF Market Development

“CADO will turbo-charge the imminent launch of the IATA-developed SAF Registry,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior vice president of sustainability and chief economist. “Its open and global approach supports the scrutiny needed to build trust among all stakeholders.”

Willie Walsh, IATA’s director-general, described the SAF Registry as “indispensable” for creating a transparent and liquid global SAF market.

“The industry’s commitment to build the Registry and establish CADO to manage it should inspire governments, fossil fuel producers, and investors to engage in the SAF market with commensurate vigor,” he said.

Free Access Through 2027

Participation in the Registry will be free until April 2027, after which it will transition to a cost-recovery model. As CADO’s founding member, IATA will provide ongoing technical and operational support.

The SAF Registry and CADO launch comes as the aviation sector intensifies efforts to scale up SAF production and adoption, which is critical to reducing carbon emissions and achieving the industry’s 2050 net-zero target.

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