IATA Unveils SAF Matchmaker to Enhance Sustainable Aviation Fuel Market

On June 26, 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the launch of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Matchmaker platform, a pivotal initiative designed to streamline the procurement of sustainable aviation fuel between airlines and SAF producers. This innovative platform aims to connect supply requests with available offers, thereby facilitating negotiations on specific terms such as pricing and payment.

The SAF Matchmaker is a response to the growing urgency for the aviation industry to transition towards sustainable practices in its operations, particularly in light of the global commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA's Senior Vice President for Sustainability and Chief Economist, “To reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, we need an accessible, transparent, liquid, and efficient SAF market.” This platform represents a significant step forward in creating a fully functioning market for SAF, a crucial component in reducing the carbon footprint of air travel.

Historically, the aviation industry has faced significant challenges in procuring sustainable fuels. The SAF Matchmaker addresses three critical issues: efficiency, connectivity, and visibility. By providing a central platform, the SAF Matchmaker simplifies procurement, allowing for a faster connection between airlines and suppliers without additional costs. Furthermore, SAF producers can list available or planned fuel volumes, while airlines can express their purchasing interests for specific SAF types. This two-way interaction enhances market transparency and efficiency.

The platform also offers comprehensive information regarding available SAF, including production volumes, the types of feedstock used, production technologies, and the emissions reductions associated with each fuel type. This data is essential for airlines seeking to comply with regulatory frameworks such as the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (EU RED).

As the SAF Matchmaker platform is initially available exclusively to airlines and SAF suppliers, there are plans to eventually include other potential SAF buyers, such as non-aviation corporations. This expansion is expected to further stimulate the voluntary market for SAF procurement.

The launch of the SAF Matchmaker is part of IATA's broader initiative, Fly Net Zero, which aims to align the aviation industry's operational practices with the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement to mitigate global warming. By facilitating easier access to sustainable fuel sources, IATA hopes to encourage airlines to adopt SAF more readily, thereby contributing to a significant reduction in aviation-related carbon emissions.

In conclusion, the SAF Matchmaker platform is poised to transform the landscape of sustainable aviation fuel procurement by fostering a more connected and efficient market. This initiative underscores the aviation industry's commitment to sustainability and its proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. As the industry moves forward, the success of the SAF Matchmaker will be critical in achieving the ambitious target of net-zero emissions by 2050, offering a viable path toward a more sustainable future in aviation.