Jamaica to Review ICAO-Backed SAF Feasibility Study Findings

The findings of a comprehensive Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Feasibility Study will be presented to Jamaican stakeholders on April 14, 2026, marking a critical milestone in the nation's strategy for aviation decarbonization. The study, funded by the United Kingdom's Department for Transport (DfT), aims to provide a roadmap for developing a domestic SAF industry, aligning Jamaica with global environmental targets for aviation.

The initiative is supported by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) under its Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ACT-SAF) programme. Technical expertise was provided by ICF Consulting, with the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) facilitating the national dialogue. This effort is part of Jamaica's commitment as an ICAO member state to achieve the industry-wide goal of net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation by 2050.

Global Push for Aviation Sustainability

The Jamaican study is situated within a broader global movement to reduce aviation's environmental impact, which currently accounts for approximately 2-3% of worldwide emissions. The push for cleaner energy sources was formalized at the ICAO CAAF/3 Conference in Dubai in November 2023, which established a global framework for SAF. This framework includes an interim global target of achieving 5% SAF use by 2030.

ICAO's ACT-SAF programme is the primary mechanism for implementing this framework in developing nations. According to ICAO, over 30 similar feasibility and implementation studies have been initiated globally, including recent projects in India, Peru, and Uganda. This demonstrates a standardized approach to fostering SAF policy and attracting investment in countries that are often highly dependent on aviation for tourism and trade. For tourism-reliant economies like Jamaica, decarbonizing air travel is essential to accommodate future growth while meeting climate obligations in a hard-to-abate sector.

Economic and Regulatory Implications

The development of a local SAF market carries significant economic and regulatory implications for Jamaica. A key finding anticipated from the study is the potential for using local feedstocks, such as agricultural residue and municipal waste. This could create new revenue streams for Jamaica's agricultural and waste management sectors, strengthening the national economy.

Michael Hepburn, Director of Economic Regulation at the JCAA, emphasized the authority's role in creating a supportive ecosystem. According to the Jamaica Information Service, Hepburn noted that Jamaica's goal is to prepare the industry so that airlines can access SAF locally, aligning with global carbon-reduction mandates. For air carriers operating routes to and from Jamaica, local SAF availability would reduce the need to transport large fuel reserves from other hubs, a practice known as tankering.

Yasar Yetiskin, Senior Manager at ICF Consulting, highlighted the immediate benefits of SAF. Yetiskin stated that SAF can be deployed using existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure, presenting a unique opportunity for Jamaica to bolster its energy security and generate new economic activity.

Technical Analysis

This feasibility study represents more than a technical assessment; it is a strategic move to future-proof Jamaica's vital tourism industry against evolving environmental regulations and consumer expectations. The initiative follows a clear pattern established by ICAO's ACT-SAF programme, which leverages funding from developed nations like the UK to deploy a standardized policy-building framework globally. By participating, Jamaica positions itself not merely as a compliant state but as a potential first-mover in the Caribbean's green aviation transition.

The long-term success of this initiative will depend on Jamaica's ability to translate the study's findings into bankable projects that attract significant capital investment. The economic viability of local feedstock conversion, the development of robust supply chains, and the creation of a stable regulatory environment will be critical hurdles. However, the precedent set by other ACT-SAF studies suggests that a positive feasibility report is a crucial first step in de-risking the sector for private investment.

What Comes Next

Following the presentation of the study's findings on April 14, the next phase will involve policy development and implementation. The Jamaican Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications is expected to use the report to establish national SAF policy guidelines throughout 2026 and 2027. These policies will be crucial for creating the regulatory framework needed to govern SAF production, certification, and distribution within the country.

Why This Matters

This feasibility study is a foundational step for Jamaica to transition from a consumer of conventional jet fuel to a potential producer of a sustainable alternative. The outcome will directly influence the country's ability to meet international climate commitments, enhance its energy independence, and create new, high-value economic sectors. For the wider Caribbean, Jamaica's progress could serve as a blueprint for regional aviation sustainability.