IATA is dedicated to assisting its members and the entire air industry to reduce its emissions of CO2.
Alternative fuels, particularly biofuels, have been identified as excellent candidates for helping this goal. Biofuels derived from biomass such as algae, jatropha and camelina can reduce their carbon footprint 80% over their full lifecycle. Four biofuels test flights prove they work and the industry is now working on getting speedy certification so they can be used for passenger flights.
If aviation was using 6% biofuels by 2020, this would reduce its carbon footprint by 5%. Alternative fuels contribute to greater energy independence and fuel security for airlines and are therefore an outstanding safeguard against volatile supplies and prices.
IATA has prepared annual special reports on alternative fuels since 2006. They provide thorough reviews of important biofuel topics such as:
- Fuel properties
- Appropriate fuels/technologies for aviation
- Certification and flight trials
- Greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability
- Global production capacity and efficiency
- Biofuel economics and their impact on Emissions Trading Schemes (ETS)
Alternative Fuels Report
Summary of IATA Alternative Fuels 2009 Report (pdf)