News to Know

Five Key Risks That Will Shape Aviation in 2026
SOURCE: AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INTERNATIONAL, 2/11

In January 2025 the air transport industry was facing significant headwinds, and none more so than the threat of tariffs and the potential retaliation they might provoke.

In this challenging context, airlines nevertheless earned a record net profit of US$39.5 billion. It must be pointed out though that in one year a single oil company can make as much profit as our whole airline industry does.

Industry Spotlight

GBTA Foundation
New GBTA Report: Sustainable Aviation Fuel Is Taking Flight But Headwinds Remain

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) purchasing for business travel is on a fast upward trajectory, according to new research released yesterday by the GBTA Foundation. Global travel programs with Net Zero commitments are leading the way in SAF adoption, enabled by strong emissions management, internal carbon pricing and flexible purchasing options. The GBTA report also outlines the biggest barriers slowing uptake, including uncertainty around accounting standards, cost sensitivity and limited internal readiness.

The new report ─ “Corporate Behavior on Sustainable Aviation Fuel Purchases” ─ draws on data from 58 SAF‑purchasing organizations who participated in the GBTA Sustainability Acceleration Challenge.

“While our research shows that the proportion of companies currently purchasing or intending to purchase SAF is increasing, it will only be through sustained corporate demand that SAF finally begins to take off as a viable solution, moving from the realm of ambition to that of reality,” said Delphine Millot, GBTA SVP, Advocacy and Sustainability and Foundation Managing Director, who presented the findings at the Sustainable Aviation Futures MENA Congress in Dubai.

According to the new SAF Insights Report:

• 20% of travel programs purchased SAF certificates to abate business travel emissions in 2025.
• Companies in technology, transportation and travel services, and pharmaceutical and life sciences represent the bulk of current buyers.
• Companies that purchase SAF overwhelmingly track and report Scope 3.6 business‑travel emissions—and many have specific internal reduction targets.
• More than half of buyers purchase SAF through airline direct programs.
• Nearly half of companies remain unsure whether SAF certificates will count toward emissions‑reduction targets.

Read the full GBTA Foundation announcement here and access the report.

GBTA Europe
GBTA Italia Roadshow Plus | Milano

10 March

Join us in Milan for a half-day event with practical insights, expert-led discussions, and valuable networking opportunities. Connect with professionals across the business travel and MICE sectors. This event will be conducted in local language.