Finding the right supplier for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has often felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Now, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) hopes to change that.
With the launch of its SAF Matchmaker platform, IATA aims to simplify and speed up the way airlines connect with SAF producers. It plans to bring buyers and sellers together in one digital space to spark deals and accelerate aviation’s journey to net-zero.
Direct Matching And Negotiation
On the platform, producers actively post available or upcoming SAF volumes, while airlines register interest in purchasing.
Once the system identifies a match, both parties take negotiations offline to agree on price, terms, and delivery.
To tackle key industry challenges, IATA built the tool around three core strengths:
Efficiency: By eliminating middlemen and fees, SAF Matchmaker allows users to connect quickly—fueling growth in the voluntary SAF market.
Connectivity: Airlines and suppliers engage directly, whether for one-off purchases or long-term offtake agreements.
Visibility: The platform includes detailed listings with feedstock type, production method, location, emissions data, and compliance with CORSIA or the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
IATA’s Commitment To Net Zero
IATA’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist, Marie Owens Thomsen, highlighted its impact:
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“SAF Matchmaker cuts through complexity and cost, helping airlines find suppliers faster.
It’s a practical step toward a fully functional SAF market.”
At this stage, IATA limits access to airlines and SAF suppliers but plans to welcome corporate buyers soon.
It hosts the tool on the Aviation Energy Hub, a central digital platform supporting aviation energy management.
With SAF Matchmaker, IATA continues to lead the charge toward a cleaner, more connected future for aviation.
