Spain Takes Lead in Sustainable Aviation with New Legislation, Backed by The International Air Transport Association

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Recently, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) applauded Spain’s significant step towards sustainable aviation with the approval of a pivotal legislative proposal. The proposal, endorsed by the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge Commission of Spain’s Congress of Deputies, outlines comprehensive measures to foster the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) within the country.

Initiated by the People’s Party (PP) and backed by the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE), the proposal urges the central government to implement several key initiatives:

1. Incentivizing SAF Production: Introducing incentives to boost the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel across Spain.
2. Supporting Research and Development: Allocating funds towards research and development efforts aimed at discovering new sources of SAF.
3. Promoting Public-Private Partnerships: Facilitating collaborations between public and private sectors to accelerate the adoption of SAF technologies.
4. Developing Feedstock Strategies: Formulating strategies to ensure sustainable access to waste and bio-materials essential for the production of SAF.

This legislative endorsement marks a significant milestone in Spain’s commitment to sustainability in aviation, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector. With these measures in place, Spain is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing the adoption of sustainable aviation practices on a broader scale.

“The Ecological Commission’s comprehensive proposal for greater state support for SAF is a big step in the right direction. It is particularly encouraging that this proposal has support across the political spectrum. Recognizing the importance of aviation, the political consensus is to decarbonize flying without restricting people’s access to air travel. It is now critical for the Spanish government to turn this proposal into law,” said Rafael Schvartzman, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Europe.

To achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) stands as the pivotal technology for aviation. Scaling up production is critical, aiming to increase global SAF production from 1.5 million tonnes in 2024 to over 400 million tonnes by 2050. The EU mandates SAF use to reach 2% of all aviation fuel uplifted at EU airports by 2025 (rising to 6% by 2030), while globally, the International Civil Aviation Organization targets a 5% reduction in aviation carbon emissions by 2030 through SAF and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels.

“Airlines are firmly focused on achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. As governments set interim targets, it is critical that they establish policies to achieve them. Spain’s Ecological Commission has correctly understood that SAF production is lagging far behind demand. Turning these proposals into law will address that along with creating jobs, shoring up the tourism sector and improving energy independence. Spain will be a leader in Europe and a global example for other governments to follow,” said Schvartzman.