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Beyond the TarmacAirlines are estimated to need 500mn tonnes (Mt) of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to achieve the industry’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.This can be achieved from two main sources- biomass and power-to-liquid, according to the International Air Transport Association.Biomass has the potential to produce more than 300Mt of bio-SAF annually by 2050. Some of this potential could be limited by use for competing sources. This potential could be expanded by unlocking additional feedstocks or through efficiency gains and technology improvements over intervening decades.Power-to-liquid (PtL) will be required to reach 500 Mt of SAF production annually by 2050. Maximising the volumes of cost-effective bio-SAF will reduce the pressure on e-SAF to bridge the gap.In all cases, to maximise SAF output, it will be essential to improve conversion efficiencies, accelerate technology rollout, enhance feedstock logistics, and invest in better infrastructure required to scale up commercial facilities across all regions.Recently, IATA in partnership with Worley Consulting, has published a study demonstrating that sufficient sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) feedstock exists to enable the airline industry to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050.All feedstocks considered meet stringent sustainability criteria and do not lead to changes in land use.The study also identified significant barriers in using that feedstock for SAF production, namely the slow pace of technology rollout that would enable SAF to be produced from varied sources and competition with other potential users of the same feedstock.Currently, the only commercially scaled SAF production facilities use HEFA technology, for example converting used cooking oil into SAF.Policies allocating biomass feedstock to hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation must be prioritised.According to the report, there are sufficient sustainable feedstocks and SAF production technologies to decarbonise aviation and meet the net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.With the right policies and investments, more than 300Mt of SAF from biomass feedstocks could be produced annually by mid-century and around 200Mt from e-SAF.Enhancing the feedstock supply chain infrastructure, scaling up novel sources that meet sustainability criteria, and ensuring that the feedstocks identified for SAF production are made available to the air transport industry remain a major challenge.Other major challenges, according to IATA, are: Accelerating technology rollout to unlock new SAF production technologies, especially PtL, including reliable access to the low-cost renewable electricity, hydrogen, and carbon capture infrastructure, which are all required as part of the PtL production method.Achieving coordinated government policies to support innovation, and investment to create a fully functioning SAF market, unlocking new economic opportunities.Rallying regional leadership, with North America, Brazil, Europe, India, China, and Asean identified as key drivers of global SAF output.Activating the energy industry to invest in SAF production capacity, support technology commercialisation, and align their business strategies with global decarbonisation goals.IATA’s Director General Willie Walsh said: “We now have unequivocal evidence that if SAF production is prioritised then feedstock availability is not a barrier in the industry’s path to decarbonisation.“There is enough potential feedstock from sustainable sources to reach net zero carbon emissions in 2050. However, this will only be accomplished with a major acceleration of the SAF industry’s growth. We need shovels in the ground now.”“With this study it becomes clear that we can make SAF the solution it needs to be for aviation’s decarbonisation. The potential to turn SAF feedstock into real SAF production is in the hands of policymakers and business leaders, particularly in the energy sector.“The conclusion of this study is an urgent call to action. We have just 25 years to turn this proven potential into reality,” said Walsh.Industry analysts say hitting net-zero aviation by 2050 is huge, technically possible, but it won’t happen by accident.The industry must scale SAF fast, modernise fleets, squeeze out operational savings, build hydrogen and PtL capacity, and deploy robust policy and finance — all co-ordinated internationally and backed by strict sustainability and verification — to credibly reach net-zero by 2050.

Beyond the Tarmac The safety and security of airmail are critically important for the aviation industry, not only because of the commercial value of goods transported but also due to broader implications for aviation safety, trust, and global trade. Undoubtedly, the global security environment is becoming more challenging and complex. Over the last 12 months, the global threat picture has evolved considerably, as sophisticated actors are seen seeking to sabotage the air cargo and mail supply chains using improvised incendiary devices (IIDs), in addition to the longstanding risk posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Industry analysts say unchecked or improperly screened airmail could be exploited to smuggle hazardous materials, explosives, or other dangerous goods, directly threatening passenger and crew safety. Past incidents — like attempts to ship explosives hidden in cargo or parcels — have shown how aviation can be targeted through the mail system. About 320.4bn letters and post items are sent every year globally, according to estimates by International Air Transport Association (IATA). The aviation industry also accounts for billions of postal parcels - for example IATA mentions 7.4bn postal parcels annually. The total global air freight volumes are on the order of 55mn-70mn metric tonnes per year. For example, in 2021, about 65.6mn metric tonnes of air freight was transported worldwide. An industry estimate shows that airmail globally (letters plus postal parcels actually transported by air) is likely in the order of some millions of metric tonnes per year — up to 15mn tonnes annually! Recently, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Universal Postal Union (UPU) have joined hands to reinforce the security of international air cargo and mail. This marks a new milestone in global efforts, bringing together the two areas of expertise to confront evolving threats and enhance the security and resilience of global airmail operations. ICAO and UPU outlined a shared vision for enhanced co-operation between the two international agencies, including efforts aimed at further aligning their respective security frameworks. This co-operation promotes policies that encourage innovation in screening technologies, improved personnel training, and better information sharing between postal and aviation authorities. As global e-commerce continues to expand and grow, the security of international mail security has become increasingly critical. ICAO and UPU have strongly recommended the adoption of cutting-edge technologies – such as advanced X-ray systems and explosive detection equipment – within postal and cargo operations to improve both security and operational efficiency. "This partnership represents a unified, proactive approach to current and future challenges in air cargo and mail security," said ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar. "A secure airmail system is a shared responsibility. This partnership ensures airmail services remain secure, resilient, and efficient." The initiative builds on a longstanding collaboration between ICAO and UPU and significantly strengthens their respective oversight capabilities. ICAO's Universal Security Audit Programme and UPU's certification framework together will ensure consistent security standards across all member States. Both ICAO and UPU said they are committed to supporting their respective members and postal operators in adopting practical and risk-based measures, benefiting from enhanced information sharing, as well as enhanced visibility and transmission of data, to protect the integrity of the global mail and cargo supply chain. Currently, the ICAO and IATA regulations require strict screening and monitoring of mail shipments. Airlines and postal operators must comply with these rules to maintain licenses and operating rights. Airlines, postal services, and express couriers rely on customer confidence. A single breach of airmail security can damage reputations and erode trust in the system. For governments, secure airmail is also tied to national security and counter-terrorism. Clearly, strong security measures — like digital tracking, advanced screening, and secure facilities — help airlines and postal operators minimise delays and avoid costly disruptions. Obviously, the safe and secure transport of airmail and parcels is vital to global economy in general and aviation industry in particular. Millions of letters, documents, and parcels move by air every day, many of them time-sensitive or high-value. Therefore, ensuring their safe carriage is essential for aviation safety, global trade and commerce and regulatory compliance.