SAF mandatory for outbound Singapore flights from 2026, with a 1% adoption target enforced by a corresponding levy.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) are joining forces to establish a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry. This collaborative effort will result in a comprehensive, global platform designed to meticulously monitor, document, and verify emissions reductions derived from the utilization of SAF. The Registry seeks to accelerate the adoption of SAF by providing authoritative oversight and transparent reporting of emissions reductions resulting from SAF deployment.
In alignment with the worldwide initiative to expedite Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) adoption, the Registry is under development by IATA in collaboration with airlines, governmental bodies, international organizations, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), fuel producers and suppliers, airports, and corporate travel management entities. Governmental involvement, notably CAAS, is instrumental in ensuring that the Registry meets the requirements of civil aviation authorities.
As outlined in the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint unveiled by CAAS in February 2024, implementing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will be mandatory for outbound flights from Singapore starting in 2026. Initially, a 1% uplift target for SAF adoption will be enforced, facilitated by introducing a SAF levy to incentivize compliance with the target. Another pivotal initiative under the Blueprint involves the centralized procurement of SAF for the Singaporean air hub. This strategy aims to consolidate SAF demand, encompassing both the mandated target and discretionary requests from enterprises and entities aiming to mitigate their air travel emissions.
Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, said, “CAAS is happy to partner with IATA on the development of a SAF registry that is robust, globally recognized and interoperable. The collaboration with IATA allows CAAS to shape the development of the SAF registry which will be a critical enabler for the implementation of Singapore’s national SAF target from 2026.”
A pivotal facilitator for this endeavor is a universally acknowledged and interoperable Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) accounting and reporting system. This system must remain agnostic to feedstock and pathway choices while adhering to globally recognized sustainability benchmarks, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). By integrating such a platform, CAAS can meticulously track the nature and volume of SAF acquisitions, generate corresponding SAF credits, and distribute these credits accordingly. The allocation would be contingent upon the levies amassed under the SAF target for airlines and the voluntary SAF procurement volumes for businesses and organizations.
Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA said, “SAF is a critical element of aviation’s net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 goal. Ramping up production of SAF and access to it is essential for airlines who stand ready to use every drop made available. By authoritatively accounting and reporting emissions reductions Mr Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA said, “SAF is a critical element of aviation’s net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 goal. Ramping up production of SAF and access to it is essential for airlines who stand ready to use every drop made available. By authoritatively accounting and reporting emissions reductions from SAF, the Registry will help meet the critical needs of all stakeholders of the aviation industry, as part of the global effort to ramp-up SAF production: governments, airlines, OEMs, fuel producers and corporates. In doing so, the Registry will help scale the global SAF market by ensuring that airlines are able to purchase SAF regardless of where it is produced. The industry must work with national authorities like CAAS to ensure compliance with the requirements of civil aviation authorities.”
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The mission of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) is to grow a safe, vibrant air hub and civil aviation system. This collaboration with IATA on the Registry is one of the initiatives under the Memorandum of Understanding between CAAS and IATA signed earlier this year to strengthen collaboration to support the growth of aviation in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region.
