Mexico Launches SAF Feasibility Study with ICAO Support

Mexico Initiates National SAF Roadmap

Mexico has officially launched a comprehensive Mexico SAF feasibility study, marking a critical step in the nation’s aviation decarbonization strategy. Supported by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) through its ACT-SAF (Assistance, Capacity-building and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels) program, the initiative aims to assess domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel production capacity. This effort is designed to accelerate the energy transition within the Mexican aviation sector, aligning with global targets to reduce carbon emissions.

The study represents a collaborative effort involving the AFAC (Agencia Federal de Aviación Civil), ASA (Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares), and the Mexican Ministry of Energy. Furthermore, the project benefits from direct funding contributions from industry stakeholders, including Airbus and Volaris, reflecting a growing trend of public-private partnerships aimed at establishing local fuel infrastructure. As noted on the ICAO Sustainable Aviation Fuels Portal, such initiatives are essential for member states to meet international sustainability criteria.

Industry Impact and Stakeholders

For ASA, the federal agency responsible for operating airports and fuel stations, the study is a precursor to significant infrastructure upgrades. The agency will need to adapt its logistics and blending facilities to accommodate domestic SAF integration. Meanwhile, Mexican airlines such as Volaris and Aeromexico stand to benefit from future access to localized SAF supplies, potentially reducing their long-term reliance on imported biofuels to meet international mandates under CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation).

The broader agricultural and waste management sectors also face potential impacts. The feasibility study will evaluate the availability of feedstocks, such as used cooking oils, which could provide new revenue streams. However, some environmental advocacy groups have raised concerns, arguing that relying on crop-based feedstocks could compete with local food production and water resources if not governed by strict sustainability regulations.

Context and Comparison

This project follows a pattern of Latin American SAF Development, with ICAO and Airbus supporting similar assessments in countries including Chile, Peru, and Panama. In 2024 and 2025, Chile and Peru completed initial assessments of feedstock availability and regulatory gaps, providing a direct historical precedent for the current Mexican initiative. These earlier studies revealed that while technical potential is high, the region faces challenges regarding the lack of aggressive tax incentives compared to those currently available in the United States and Europe.

Technical Analysis

The move toward domestic SAF production is part of a broader shift in the regional aviation landscape. While ICAO aims to reduce international aviation CO2 emissions by 5% by 2030, the transition requires a stable supply chain. The proposed Pemex (Petroleos Mexicanos) sustainability plan targets the commencement of SAF production by 2035 at a planned HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) biorefinery. The success of this timeline depends on the regulatory frameworks established by the current feasibility study, which must bridge the gap between initial assessment and industrial-scale deployment.

What Comes Next

The feasibility study is expected to conclude in late 2026 or early 2027, providing a roadmap for technical and regulatory integration. This timeline serves as a foundational step toward the longer-term goal of 2035, when Pemex is expected to initiate localized SAF production. These milestones are subject to ongoing technical reviews by the AFAC and international partners.

Why This Matters

This development signals Mexico's commitment to aligning its aviation sector with global net-zero 2050 targets. By formalizing a national strategy, the country positions itself to participate in the growing global market for sustainable fuels while mitigating the operational risks associated with future carbon-based regulatory compliance.