How Mexico's ASA is pioneering a national roadmap for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Mexico is taking a significant step towards decarbonizing its aviation sector through a new national strategy for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The initiative is being led by Aeropuertos y Servicios Auxiliares (ASA), the government-owned corporation that serves as the primary supplier of aviation fuel in the country.

ASA has developed a comprehensive "Roadmap" to guide the development, production, and use of SAF. This plan aims to position Mexico as a leader in the green transition for air transport, aligning with global commitments to combat climate change.

The Strategic Importance of SAF

The push for SAF is a critical component of the global aviation industry's plan to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), SAF could contribute to approximately 65% of the emissions reductions needed to reach this ambitious target. By focusing on SAF, Mexico is directly addressing the industry's largest decarbonization challenge.

The roadmap is a collaborative effort involving multiple government bodies, including Mexico's Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) and the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transport (SICT). This multi-sectoral approach underscores the national importance of the initiative.

ASA's Role and Mexico's Vision

ASA's leadership in this effort is logical given its dominant market position. The corporation supplies over 90% of the domestic aviation fuel market, serving 52 airports. In 2025, ASA supplied 5.162 billion liters of fuel and performed 811,000 aircraft refueling services, as reported by BNamericas and SICT, making it the central player in Mexico's aviation energy logistics.

Key elements of the roadmap include:

• Infrastructure Development: ASA plans to build a dedicated SAF blending plant in Cancun, a major international travel hub.
• Domestic Production: The long-term vision is to establish a complete domestic supply chain, with a goal of producing SAF entirely within Mexico by 2030, according to Argus Media.
• Regulatory Alignment: The strategy supports Mexico's commitments under the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).

Industry and Environmental Context

This initiative comes as Mexico's air travel market continues to grow. Passenger traffic is projected to increase from 124 million in 2025 to 151 million by 2030. The SAF roadmap is essential for ensuring this growth is sustainable and does not compromise national or international environmental goals.

The plan will also be a strategic pillar in Mexico's upcoming National Aviation Policy, which is expected by mid-2026. This policy will formally address the availability, production, and pricing of SAF, creating a clear regulatory framework for airlines and producers. The successful implementation of this roadmap is crucial for the future of sustainable aviation in one of Latin America's largest and most dynamic markets.

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