IATA-ICAO Cooperation and the Role of CADO SAF Registry

10 June 2026

The growing collaboration between the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) marks a critical step forward in strengthening transparency, trust, and accountability in aviation’s decarbonization journey. This is enabled by robust systems and high-quality data that the CADO SAF Registry provides.

“Credible tracking is necessary to know the emissions reductions delivered by SAF. The data collected by the CADO SAF Registry among others, has the potential to meet this need. By working with ICAO to strengthen how progress on SAF use is measured and reported, we can accelerate deployment, build trust across stakeholders, and put aviation on track for net zero by 2050. This will set a great example for individual states to work with industry to make the most of the SAF data that is being accumulated,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

As aviation progresses toward both IATA’s and ICAO’s shared commitments and ambitions of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the need for robust, transparent, and harmonized data systems has never been greater. The CADO SAF Registry can meet this need by providing a trusted platform for capturing, verifying, and reporting data on SAF, LCAF, and other aviation cleaner energies across the value chain.

Supporting ICAO’s Global Monitoring FrameworkThe enhanced cooperation announced between IATA and ICAO highlights the increasing importance of aligning industry-led solutions with global policy frameworks. The CADO SAF Registry is well-positioned to support the implementation of ICAO’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) Monitoring and Reporting (LMR) methodology.

Through its structured datasets and verification mechanisms, the Registry can contribute to: 
  • Improved global visibility into SAF uptake and emissions abatement impact 
  • Consistency in fuel accounting approaches across international aviation 
  • Alignment with ICAO frameworks, ensuring that SAF contributions are transparently recognized 
  • Enhanced oversight provided by carbon auditors and state authorities 

This alignment is critical to ensuring that efforts made by industry stakeholders are reflected accurately within international reporting systems, avoiding fragmentation and duplication. 

Looking Ahead

As aviation navigates the path to net zero, the role of data infrastructure will only become more central. The CADO SAF Registry is committed to evolving alongside industry and regulatory needs, supporting interoperability, scalability, and continuous improvement in data quality and being an enabler of our collective net-zero goal. 

;