The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Civil Aviation Decarbonization Organization (CADO) to oversee the operations of its upcoming Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry.
CADO, a not-for-profit entity will function independently from IATA while receiving technical support from the association. Its main objective is to manage the registry transparently, ensuring that SAF transactions are tracked in a consistent and verifiable manner. By providing a centralised platform, the registry will help airlines and SAF producers connect, address supply shortages, and confirm the environmental benefits of SAF.
CADO
Membership in CADO is open to organisations involved in the SAF value chain, state and semi-state entities with a vested interest in SAF, and any stakeholders who stand to benefit from increased SAF adoption in aviation. This inclusive approach is expected to promote cooperation and harmonisation among global SAF registries. According to IATA’s sustainability senior vice-president, Marie Owens Thomsen, CADO’s role is to build trust and transparency in the SAF market, encouraging broader participation from governments and industry players.
Participation in the SAF Registry will be free until April 2027, after which it will shift to a cost-recovery model. The registry will offer a structured system to verify SAF’s environmental impact and track compliance with both regulatory and voluntary requirements. It will also allow corporate customers to contribute to emissions reduction efforts by supporting the aviation sector’s decarbonisation goals. IATA’s director general, Willie Walsh, highlighted the registry’s importance in establishing a stable and transparent global SAF market.
As of November 2024, 17 airlines, one airline group, six national authorities, three original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and one fuel producer had already pre-registered for the registry. Earlier this year, IATA partnered with 123Carbon to ensure interoperability between their SAF tracking systems. This strategic initiative is expected to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation by improving supply chain visibility and building confidence among industry stakeholders.