Mexico Aims for Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030, Says CANAERO

Mexico could begin producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 2030 if industry stakeholders collaborate effectively, said Julio Díaz Cruz, Vice President of the Sustainability Committee, National Chamber of Air Transport (CANAERO).

Díaz Cruz explained that the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) is leading the development of a national SAF roadmap, with input from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), airlines, and CANAERO. The document—expected by the end of 2025—will outline key actions, including research and development, economic incentives, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure guidelines, and sustainability criteria for feedstocks to avoid negative impacts on food security and the environment.

“In my opinion, and under an optimistic scenario, SAF production could begin by 2030. If all stakeholders collaborate and conditions are met, it could happen even sooner,” said Díaz Cruz. 

A Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) study published last year estimated that Mexico would need approximately US$49 billion in investments between 2025 and 2050 to develop at least one SAF production facility. The report also included Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru, projecting a total regional investment requirement of US$204 billion.

David Ortiz, Fuel Manager, Aeroméxico, emphasized the importance of incentives over mandates. “Europe is using mandates that are proving difficult to implement; SAF supply is limited. Incentives—like the US federal tax credit ‘45Z’—are more effective in encouraging investment,” he said. The 45Z credit offers US$0.75 to US$1.75 per gallon of clean fuel produced through 2027.

Diego Martínez del Río, Sustainability Manager, LATAM Airlines, stressed the need for fuel producers to assume more risk. “Airlines are bearing the cost. Our margins were just 3% last year. Every drop of SAF that is produced is used, regardless of cost—this is a supply problem, not a demand one,” he said.