The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has emphasized the importance of South Africa prioritizing the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to meet the growing global demand from airlines and to act as a significant economic driver for the country. During IATA's 'Wings of Change Focus Africa' conference in Johannesburg, it was highlighted that South Africa has abundant feedstocks to produce SAF, potentially reaching up to 4.5 billion liters annually. This move towards SAF production is not only crucial for aviation decarbonization but is also seen as a strategy for economic development. South Africa's aviation industry is poised for remarkable growth, with projections indicating an additional 345 million passenger journeys by 2043, injecting billions into the GDP and creating numerous jobs. The study by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) underlined the potential of South Africa to produce SAF using various feedstocks like sugarcane by-products and biomass waste, without competing with food production. Additionally, the country's experience in synthetic fuel production and academic support for innovation further strengthen its capabilities in this sector. IATA called for government support in expediting the development of SAF production facilities, incentivizing research and development, and promoting the diversification of fuel sources. The focus on SAF aligns with the international commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Overall, the emphasis is on maximizing the economic and social benefits of aviation through sustainable practices and innovation.