In air cargo, sustainability is increasingly tied to operational efficiency. Measures such as improved load factors, optimized routings, weight reduction, and greater digitalization reduce fuel burn and emissions while strengthening shipment economics. For air cargo stakeholders operating in a margin-sensitive environment, the same actions that cut emissions can also improve cost efficiency.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is expected to play a central role in aviation’s path to net zero by 2050. Yet it remains more expensive than conventional jet fuel and is available only in limited volumes. For the air cargo industry and its customers, this creates a practical challenge: how to support SAF adoption when supply is constrained and unevenly distributed.
Enabling access through the CADO SAF Registry
Book-and-claim models provide a practical way forward. The CADO SAF Registry is a global system enabling the tracking, allocation, and claiming of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) environmental attributes.
Developed by IATA and now operated by the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO), the Registry allows freight forwarders and shippers to access SAF and reduce Scope 3 emissions without being limited by physical fuel availability or geography.
After SAF environmental attributes are decoupled from the physical fuel, they can be tracked and allocated transparently through the SAF Registry across the value chain, enabling collaboration between airlines, freight forwarders, and shippers. This supports credible emissions reduction claims, the development of SAF-based product offerings, and cost-sharing mechanisms between airlines and cargo customers
The Registry is free of charge and already brings together 140+ active organizations across the SAF ecosystem.
Latest Enhancements to the Registry
In April, the Registry introduced a new wave of features based on user feedback and evolving market needs, including a new user dashboard for improved visibility, bulk upload and redemption capabilities, enhanced email notifications, and improved data-sharing functionalities with states.
Whether you are looking to offer SAF solutions to your customers or advance your Scope 3 decarbonization strategy, the CADO SAF Registry provides a trusted platform.