IATA says SAF production outlook remains disappointing for 2026

IATA said global sustainable aviation fuel production is expected to reach about 2.4 million tonnes in 2026, equal to 0.8% of aviation fuel use, and estimated the cost to airlines at $4.3 billion.

The association published the forecast in an official press release from Rio de Janeiro on 6 June 2026 and described the outlook as still disappointing. The figures point to a continued shortfall in SAF volumes relative to aviation fuel demand.

The latest development follows an ICAO-IATA cooperation announcement on SAF measurement and reporting made on 2 June 2026, but the 6 June IATA release is the primary event and the most direct indicator of the industry’s 2026 supply outlook.

For the aviation sector, the numbers underline that SAF availability remains limited and that airlines are still facing a material cost burden in the near-term supply chain.