The imperative of developing the SAF Registry
12 May 2025
The bigger picture
Climate change is humankind's most critical challenge, and the aviation industry must play a significant role in mitigating its impact. To grow sustainably, aviation needs a solid plan, and the industry has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. One of the key decarbonization levers identified is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which is expected to account for around 65% of CO2 emissions reductions in 2050. However, to reach this goal, we need a system that can accurately track SAF investments and usage and, more importantly, translate this into emissions reductions achieved.
Challenge of limited SAF supply
SAF is not sufficiently available today. The estimated SAF production volume in 2025 is 1.9 million tonnes, representing just 0.6% of total jet fuel consumption. Not only is SAF volume limited, but it is also only available in a few locations globally. What can help tackle this availability issue is enabling the “book and claim” concept, where airlines can invest in SAF produced elsewhere and claim the environmental benefits even if they cannot buy SAF locally. However, this innovative approach requires a robust accounting and tracking mechanism to decouple the SAF environmental attributes from the physical fuel so that airlines can claim the use of SAF even without physically uplifting it.
Introducing the CADO SAF Registry
The CADO SAF Registry was conceived to address the need for a robust and trusted SAF accounting system. In consultation with airlines and other SAF value chain stakeholders, a global system was designed to record SAF transactions in a standardized and transparent manner. It ensures that SAF environmental attributes can be tracked across the value chain, enabling airlines and corporate customers to claim these attributes against regulatory obligations and voluntary schemes. By connecting airlines with SAF producers and suppliers worldwide, the registry addresses the challenge of scarce SAF supply limited to certain geographic locations. It also facilitates in-sector emissions reductions, whereby corporate customers who fly with the airlines can work with airlines to co-finance the cost of decarbonization. Moreover, the SAF Registry is built to be technology- and feedstock-neutral, promoting diverse SAF production streams globally. Interoperability with other registries is another key feature, fostering competition and open markets while preventing double-counting.
What sets the SAF Registry apart from other similar initiatives is its aviation-led nature. While other initiatives primarily focus on the voluntary investment and accounting of SAF use, the CADO SAF Registry aims to facilitate airlines’ compliance with regulatory frameworks, starting with CORSIA. The use of the registry is not just confined to traditional SAF value chain stakeholders such as airlines and fuel producers; governments or authorities are also able to access the system and validate claims under such regulatory frameworks. In addition, auditors invited by registry users can independently review and verify transactions, supporting transparency and robust compliance.
Global solution including all stakeholders
The SAF Registry is operated under the management of the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO), a not-for-profit entity representing all SAF value chain stakeholders. CADO's governance ensures impartiality and aims to secure endorsement and support from governmental and non-governmental organizations, fostering high levels of acceptance and participation. CADO offers a truly global solution that can help scale SAF production and investment while bringing together essential stakeholders to build a seamless and robust solution.
The journey toward sustainable aviation requires collective support beyond airlines. Participation by fuel producers, suppliers, and end customers, including corporates, freight forwarders, and shippers, all of whom have their own targets to reduce emissions from flying activity, is critical. The system helps account for these reductions and co-finances SAF, alleviating the cost burden faced by airlines. Government bodies on the system further boost confidence by endorsing and regulating the system, ensuring compliance. It's a win-win situation.
To encourage widespread adoption, the SAF Registry is available free of charge for at least the first two years of operation, i.e., until April 2027. This approach ensures that the registry is accessible to all stakeholders.