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IATA is dedicated to supporting its members and the entire air transport industry to reduce emissions of CO2.

Alternative fuels, particularly sustainable biofuels, have been identified as one of the key elements in helping achieve this goal. Biofuels derived from sustainable oil crops such as jatropha, camelina and algae or from wood and waste biomass can reduce the overall carbon footprint  by around 80% over their full lifecycle. Biofuels test flights carried out by seven airlines have proven biofuels work and can be mixed with existing jet fuel. The industry is now working on finalizing technical certification so biofuels can be used for passenger flights. The first commercial flights using biofuels are expected before the end of 2011.

Our Objectives

• Continuity: build a long-term sustainable aviation industry
• Climate:  deliver on industry stated environmental goals
• Cost-competitiveness: pursue affordable biojet solutions

Our Focus

• Technical certification and sustainability of new fuels
• Ensuring biojet fuel can be dropped in to existing common fueling infrastructure
• Simple, harmonized biojet accounting and reporting procedures
• Best practices for biojet purchase and insurance
• Engaging governments to incentivize biojet production
• Bringing together stakeholders in biojet production and finance to identify suitable projects for funding

Supporting Resources

• IATA Reports on Alternative Fuels
• Biofuel Producers Directory
• IATA Training and Development Institute Biojet Fuel Workshop
• IATA Guidance Material for Biojet Fuel Management ("Bioguide")
• IATA is committed to making airlines' transition to biojet fuel as simple as possible. This new guidance material will address the most important aspects of adopting sustainable biojet fuel. The Bioguide is currently under development and will be published in 2012.