IATA says Brazil has the resources and expertise to become a major global producer of sustainable aviation fuel.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) has highlighted Brazil’s potential to become one of the world’s leading producers of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), positioning the country as a key contributor to aviation’s decarbonisation efforts while creating significant economic opportunities.
The announcement was made during IATA’s 82nd Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, where industry leaders discussed the critical role SAF will play in achieving aviation’s long-term climate goals.
Brazil could become a global sustainable aviation fuel powerhouse
According to IATA, airlines will require approximately 500 million tonnes of SAF annually to meet the sector’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Brazil is considered particularly well positioned due to its extensive biomass resources, established biofuels industry and existing energy infrastructure.
IATA estimates that Brazil could have access to around 180 million tonnes of biomass feedstock by 2050, creating the potential to produce approximately 60 million tonnes of SAF.
In the shorter term, sustainably sourced sugar-based ethanol together with virgin and waste oil feedstocks could provide around 18 million tonnes of feedstock by 2030, translating into approximately 12 million tonnes of SAF production potential.
This figure is equivalent to five times the estimated global SAF production expected during 2026.
The association noted that around 15 SAF projects are currently under development across Brazil. If all reach completion, they could collectively add approximately two million tonnes of SAF production capacity.
Willie Walsh said Brazil possesses many of the characteristics required to become a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel production, including abundant feedstock resources, one of the world’s cleanest electricity mixes and decades of expertise in biofuel production.
Economic and environmental benefits
Industry experts believe large-scale SAF production could generate substantial economic benefits across agriculture, logistics, refining, fuel production and export markets.
IATA said growth in the sector could support job creation, strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and stimulate investment in rural communities.
The association also highlighted Brazil’s established ethanol production capabilities and refining infrastructure as competitive advantages that could accelerate development of advanced SAF pathways, including ethanol-to-jet fuel technology.
To realise this potential, IATA stressed the importance of supportive policy frameworks, infrastructure investment and the introduction of effective financing mechanisms.
The organisation also supports development of a book-and-claim system using tradable SAF certificates, helping connect domestic production with international aviation sustainability programmes such as CORSIA.
Marie Owens Thomsen said Brazil’s scale and resources provide an opportunity for transformational growth if policies are implemented in a sequence that supports production before introducing large-scale usage mandates.
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