‘Great Green Scam’: IATA Chief Blames EU, Fuel Giants for Slow Climate Progress

Key Points

• IATA chief Willie Walsh criticized governments, especially the EU, and fuel producers for hindering progress on aviation's climate commitments, citing lack of support and investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
• Airlines face high compliance fees for using SAF in the EU, which Walsh called a 'great green scam,' while fuel producers argue they are meeting targets and increasing supply.
• The EU maintains its SAF targets are realistic and claims its initiatives are stimulating production, but acknowledges ongoing investment challenges and plans further dialogue to improve financing.

Summary

The head of IATA, Willie Walsh, has accused governments, particularly the EU, and major fuel producers of stalling aviation's climate progress by failing to create supportive policies and delaying investments in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Walsh criticized high compliance fees for airlines using SAF and labeled the EU's approach as a 'great green scam.' Fuel producers counter that they are meeting targets and increasing SAF output, while the EU cites ongoing initiatives but recognizes investment barriers and is planning further discussions to address financing challenges.