JCAA Facilitating Dialogue on Sustainable Aviation Fuel

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) is facilitating national dialogue among key government ministries, policymakers, and industry stakeholders on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production to reduce emissions and build a modern transport system.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on Wednesday (January 21), Director of Economic Regulation at the JCAA, Michael Hepburn, informed that the Authority recently concluded a two-day workshop with stakeholders involved in feedstock supply, fuel production, and infrastructure development.

The workshop was led by ICF Consulting, which, in collaboration with the JCAA, has launched an SAF Feasibility Study aimed at positioning Jamaica to support the aviation industry’s transition to lower-carbon fuels and long-term climate resilience.

ICF was selected as project manager under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) Programme, which supports developing states in advancing SAF through four core pillars – policy and planning, regulation, implementation strategy, and project financing.

The study forms part of Jamaica’s commitment as a member state of the ICAO to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050, with an interim global target of achieving five per cent SAF use by 2030.

Mr. Hepburn, who is also the Focal Point for the SAF Feasibility Study, emphasised the Authority’s role as a facilitator in preparing the aviation ecosystem for this transition.

“As one of ICAO’s member states, Jamaica shares the responsibility of preparing the industry to meet global carbon-reduction goals. Our role is not to produce fuel but to get the industry ready so that when airlines operate in Jamaica, they can access sustainable aviation fuel,” he explained.

One component of this activity is the preparation of the country for the production of SAF through sensitising the various stakeholders about the project plan and its progress, to date, through the workshop, which brought together key industry partners.

The project is funded through ICAO’s ACT-SAF Programme with support from the Government of the United Kingdom, via the UK Department for Transport, which oversees the initiative.

Upon completion, the study’s findings, which will support evidence-based policymaking and investment decisions, will be reviewed by the JCAA and presented to the relevant ministries, including Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, which will be responsible for establishing policies to guide SAF production and deployment in Jamaica.

By advancing this feasibility study, Jamaica is taking an important step towards strengthening aviation sustainability, enhancing climate resilience, and ensuring the country remains competitive in a rapidly decarbonising global aviation sector.