IATA – The Non-CO2 Climate Co-Benefit of SAF and Other Fuels with Low Aromatic and Sulfur Content

The document explores the impact of non-CO2 emissions on climate in the context of aviation and the potential benefits of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other fuels with low aromatic and sulfur content.

Key findings include that non-CO2 emissions, such as contrails, significantly affect climate warming. The use of SAF or fuels with low naphthalene and sulfur content can reduce the impact of contrails. There are uncertainties, especially in low-soot emission conditions where other emissions may contribute to ice crystal formation. Strategic use of SAF on high-impact routes or optimizing conventional aviation fuel properties can yield short-term benefits. Economic and environmental trade-offs, as well as safety and infrastructure challenges, must be considered to determine viable solutions. A collaborative industry-wide approach is required to balance environmental goals with economic and technological realities.