ICAO Council President Expects 5% Carbon Emission Reduction in Aviation by 2030
Toshiyuki Onuma, president of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Council, is optimistic that international aviation can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 5% by 2030. He emphasized the potential for increasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, despite the looming deadline.
The Changi Aviation Summit highlighted the urgent need for cooperation among stakeholders to address competing demands for biofuels. Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that SAF production reached 1.9 million tonnes in 2025, only 0.6% of total jet fuel consumption.
IATA's director-general Willie Walsh noted that regulatory mandates have increased costs and slowed voluntary SAF adoption. Singapore's civil aviation authority initiated a voluntary trial for SAF procurement involving major companies. Starting October 1, all flights from Singapore will require 1% SAF in their fuel blend, with plans to increase this to 3-5% by 2030.
