Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance

What Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance does

Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) is a nonprofit demand-aggregation initiative launched in 2021 as a joint venture of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA), and RMI, with GMA serving as the Secretariat. SABA aggregates voluntary corporate demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificates (SAFc) — using a book-and-claim model that decouples SAF's environmental attributes from its physical fuel flow — in order to underwrite multi-year offtake commitments that de-risk project financing for new SAF production. The alliance serves three user groups: large corporate buyers (founders include Bank of America, Boeing, BCG, Deloitte, JPMorgan Chase, McKinsey, Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, and Salesforce; later members include AstraZeneca, Autodesk, Live Nation, Morgan Stanley, Novo Nordisk, Samsung Biologics, and Workday) seeking to address Scope 3 aviation emissions; airlines and cargo operators (Alaska Airlines, Amazon Air, JetBlue, United, American Airlines) that consume the physical fuel and route certificates to corporate buyers; and SAF producers and traders (World Energy, SkyNRG, Infinium, Twelve, Future Energy Global, Targray, Valero, IAG) that supply fuel into the procurement.

SABA's product surface comprises three platforms and a set of standards. SAFc Connect (go-live May 2025, operated by GMA) is a secure procurement portal connecting SABA members with vetted SAFc providers. The SAFc Registry (launched December 2023 at COP28, built with Energy Web, owned by RMI) is a not-for-profit digital ledger for the issuance, transfer, and retirement of SAF certificates. The COP30 SAF Platform (September 2025) is an episodic, non-member-accessible portal that uses Google Travel Impact Model and the Eurocontrol Small Emitters Tool to calculate flight emissions and routes purchasers to SkyNRG-sourced certificates. Complementary assets include the SABA Sustainability Framework V3 (2025), which defines high-integrity SAF criteria; the Atmospheric Benefit Principle with associated evaluation tool; and the SAFc Emissions Accounting and Reporting Guidelines V2 (open for public consultation through January 23, 2026), aligned with SBTi and the GHG Protocol.

SABA operates as a market intermediary rather than a product company and does not publicly disclose pricing for membership or services. Cumulative procurement activity has channeled approximately $400 million in SAF certificate investment since 2021 — anchored by the 2023-2024 multi-year RFP that moved ~$200M into roughly 50M gallons of SAF (~500,000 tons CO2e abated) across close to 20 corporate customers. Revenue mechanics flow through participation fees for the Secretariat's coordination, communications, RFP management, and framework-maintenance functions, alongside the value captured indirectly by fuel providers and airlines via committed offtake volumes; SABA does not charge explicit per-certificate margin. As of April 2026, SABA selected Infinium's Project Atlas (jointly submitted with American Airlines) as the winner of its next-generation procurement, supporting a ~100,000 MTPA power-to-liquid eSAF facility with initial production targeted for 2029.

Name

Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance

Legal name

Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance

Website

https://flysaba.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2021

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance is a nonprofit demand-aggregation initiative that aggregates corporate purchases of sustainable aviation fuel certificates via managed RFPs and the SAFc Connect marketplace, serving Fortune-500 corporate buyers, airlines, and fuel producers to underwrite SAF production.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Procurement Services

NAICS

Environmental Consulting Services (54162), Software Publishers (513210)

SIC

Commodity Contracts Brokers & Dealers (6221)

akta.pro primary industry

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) & Alternative Fuels (e-fuels, biofuels, hydrogen) (THABANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sustainability & Emissions Management for Air Travel (SAF, CO2 Reporting) (THACAHAJ), Sustainable Customer Products & Programs (green fares, corporate SAF programs, transparency) (THABANAL), Decarbonization Strategy & Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) Advisory (EUABAKAC), Carbon Claims, Labeling & Communications Advisory (VCMI/ICVCM Guidance, Claim Substantiation) (EUABADAI)

Keywords

• Sustainable aviation fuel
• Book-and-claim certificates
• Aviation procurement services
• Scope 3 emissions
• Corporate climate alliances

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership-based demand aggregation: SABA operates as a nonprofit alliance (a joint initiative of EDF, GMA, and RMI) that aggregates corporate buyer demand for SAF certificates. The organization does not charge explicit membership fees as a direct revenue stream; instead, it facilitates procurement processes where corporate members pay the green premium for SAF certificates. Revenue flows indirectly through the value created for fuel providers and airlines via committed offtake volumes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

SABA aggregates corporate demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates through managed procurement programs and digital platforms, enabling large enterprises to credibly reduce aviation-related Scope 3 emissions. The alliance operates SAFc Connect for near-term spot procurement, runs multi-year RFPs for long-term offtake commitments, and maintains the SAFc Registry for transparent certificate tracking. Membership is exclusive, and SABA also publishes the Sustainability Framework, Atmospheric Benefit Principle, and Emissions Accounting Guidelines to define high-integrity SAF market standards.

Product overview

SABA (Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance) operates as a demand aggregation initiative rather than a traditional product company. The core offering centers on facilitating corporate procurement of Sustainable Aviation Fuel Certificates (SAFc) through structured procurement programs and technology platforms. Key products include: SAFc Connect (spot procurement marketplace), the SAFc Registry (certificate tracking infrastructure), the COP30 SAF Platform (event-specific procurement), the Atmospheric Benefit Principle Evaluation Tool, and educational resources. SABA's platforms use a book-and-claim model that separates SAF's environmental attributes from physical fuel, enabling corporate buyers to invest in SAF and claim emissions reductions. The organization also publishes the Sustainability Framework and Emissions Accounting Guidelines as standards for high-integrity SAF market participation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• SAFc Connect: A secure online platform launched in May 2025 that connects corporate buyers with sustainable aviation fuel certificate (SAFc) providers, enabling near-term, flexible SAFc procurement for SABA members.
• SAFc Registry
• COP30 SAF Platform

Products and services

• SAFc Connect Platform Member-only self-serve marketplace that matches corporate SAF certificate buyers with vetted fuel providers, offering transparent pricing, sustainability attributes, and flexible near-term procurement for SABA member companies.
• SAFc Registry Digital registry providing transparent, auditable chain of custody for SAF certificate issuance, transfer, and retirement; open to any legally recognized company or organization; operated by Energy Web under multi-stakeholder governance.
• COP30 SAF Platform Event-specific public procurement platform available to non-SABA members for COP30 conference attendees to calculate aviation emissions and purchase corresponding high-integrity SAF certificates.
• SABA Managed Procurement Services (Multi-Year RFPs) Managed enterprise procurement services that aggregate member demand and run competitive multi-year RFP processes, securing long-term offtake agreements for high-integrity SAF certificates and providing volume certainty to fuel providers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 95% carbon intensity reduction compared to fossil jet fuel targeted by Infinium's Project Atlas (selected through SABA's next-gen procurement)
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers23 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

26 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Infinium EnergycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 April 2026Selected as winner of SABA's next-generation SAF procurement (April 2026) for Project Atlas, a power-to-liquid eSAF facility with planned capacity of ~100,000 MTPA targeting 95% carbon intensity reduction. Submitted proposal jointly with American Airlines as end-use airline. Initial production targeted by 2029. The offtake agreement will help Project Atlas reach Final Investment Decision.
• American AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 April 2026End-use airline for Infinium's Project Atlas selected through SABA's next-generation SAF procurement. Will take delivery of eSAF, manage logistics, and serve as physical user of the fuel, enabling book-and-claim allocation of Scope 3 emissions reductions to SABA's members. Represents American's second eSAF agreement with Infinium.
• Future Energy GlobalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 September 2025Committed SAFc provider through SAFc Connect platform at launch (May 2025). One of six providers that committed to participate at launch.
• International Airlines Group (IAG)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 September 2025Committed SAFc provider through SAFc Connect at launch. Parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, LEVEL, and Vueling. British Airways was selected by AVEVA as SAFc supplier through SAFc Connect (with strategic advantage of UK-based uplift at Heathrow).
• TargrayminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 September 2025Committed SAFc provider through SAFc Connect platform at launch (May 2025). One of six providers that committed to participate at launch.
• ValerominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 22 September 2025Committed SAFc provider through SAFc Connect platform at launch (May 2025). One of six providers that committed to participate at launch.
• World EnergycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 April 2024Fuel provider in SABA's 2023-2024 multi-year RFP. Supplied SAF for SABA's first collective purchase (850,000 gallons, 84% carbon reduction, fueling JetBlue flights). Partnered with RMI on a 5-year SAFc purchase agreement (954 MT CO2e reduction, October 2024). World Energy helps Scope 3 customers achieve net-zero goals through long-term contracts.
• SkyNRGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 April 2024SAF solutions provider and fuel provider in SABA's 2023-2024 RFP. Selected as SAF supplier for SABA's COP30 campaign (streamlined competitive procurement initiated by SABA in 2025). Has more than a decade of experience building SAF supply chains, partnerships, and sustainability standards.
• Twelve (formerly Climeworks)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 17 April 2024Power-to-liquid e-fuel producer whose E-Jet fuel was purchased through SABA's 2023-2024 RFP in partnership with Alaska Airlines. Fuel is made from renewable electricity and CO2 with exceptionally low GHG impacts and high scalability potential.
• Energy Web FoundationcoreTechnology or Integration · 6 December 2023Digital solutions developer partnered with RMI and EDF to build the SAFc Registry. Operates the registry on behalf of the owners (RMI). Designed open-source software for intuitive user experience and transparency. CEO Jesse Morris stated pride in supporting 'best-in-class registry from inception.'
• ENGIE ImpactminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 4 April 2023Provided expert support in managing SABA's first competitive procurement process and final selection of the winning bid (World Energy / JetBlue). Served as SABA's Secretariat in early years (before GMA/Neoteric Energy and Climate).
• MicrosoftcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 November 2021SABA founding company (announced November 2021). Partnered with United Airlines, RSB, Air bp, and SABA on the first SAF book and claim pilot (7,000 gallons of waste-based SAF at UK airports, achieving ~80% GHG reduction). Previously partnered with Alaska Airlines and SkyNRG for SAF purchases. SABA founding company.
• Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 November 2021RSB developed the book-and-claim system for SAF with expert input across the aviation value chain. Partnered with Microsoft, United, Air bp, and SABA on the first SAF book and claim pilot. SABA worked with RSB to develop digital book-and-claim registry guidance.
• Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2021EDF is one of three co-founding organizations of SABA (alongside GMA and RMI). EDF co-founded SABA in April 2021 to accelerate the path to net-zero aviation by driving investment in and adoption of high-integrity SAF. EDF President Fred Krupp and VP Elizabeth Sturcken participate in SABA leadership and events. SABA is described as 'a joint initiative of RMI and Environmental Defense Fund' with expert support from GMA.
• Center for Green Market Activation (GMA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2021GMA is one of three managing organizations of SABA (alongside EDF and RMI). GMA's CEO Kim Carnahan serves as the head of SABA Secretariat. GMA operates SAFc Connect platform on behalf of SABA and hosts the COP30 SAF platform. GMA was formerly referred to as 'Neoteric Energy and Climate' in early SABA materials.
• RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2021RMI is one of three co-founding organizations of SABA (alongside EDF and GMA). RMI's Bryan Fisher serves as Managing Director of Climate Aligned Industries and SABA co-founder. RMI owns the SAFc Registry and co-developed it with EDF and Energy Web. flysaba.org is operated by RMI. RMI purchases SAFc as a SABA member.
• Alaska AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021Founding member of SABA's Aviators Group (announced November 2021 at COP26). Committed SAFc provider through SAFc Connect. Partnered with Twelve (power-to-liquid e-fuels) offered through SABA. Committed to net zero by 2040. Part of SABA's first book-and-claim pilot with Microsoft.
• Amazon AircoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021Founding member of SABA's Aviators Group (announced November 2021 at COP26). Amazon committed to reaching net-zero carbon by 2040. Amazon's VP of Global Air Sarah Rhoads stated the company is demonstrating strong and growing demand for SAF deployment.
• JetBluecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021Founding member of SABA's Aviators Group. Committed SAFc provider through SAFc Connect. Physical fuel user for SAF procured through SABA's 2023 collective purchase (fuel sourced from World Energy). Committed to scaling SAF across operations.
• United AirlinescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021Founding member of SABA's Aviators Group. Partnered with Microsoft and SABA on the first SAF book and claim pilot (November 2021). United has made more publicly announced SAF commitments than all other airlines combined.
• Bank of AmericacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021SABA founding company. Committed to purchasing SAFc through SABA's 2023-2024 multi-year RFP. Pledged to utilize SAF for at least 20% of annual employee aviation fuel usage by 2030, as part of bank's $1.5 trillion sustainable finance commitment.
• BoeingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 November 2021SABA founding company. As a major aircraft manufacturer, Boeing supports the development and scaling of SAF as a critical pathway to decarbonize aviation.
• DeloittecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021SABA founding company. Committed to reducing emissions from business travel as a core element of sustainability strategy. Evolved SAF procurement to multi-year agreements to signal demand and advance the SAFc market.
• McKinsey & CompanycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021SABA founding company. Harry Bowcott, Senior Partner of Travel, Transport & Logistics Practice, participated in SABA's COP26 panel. McKinsey's Chief Sustainability Officer Sam Israelit noted SABA's helpfulness in providing thorough explanations on SAF topics.
• NetflixcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021SABA founding company. Participates in SAF procurement to address air travel emissions associated with film production and corporate travel.
• SalesforcecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 10 November 2021SABA founding company. Participates in SAF procurement to address air travel emissions and support climate commitments.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Verra: Operates the Verified Carbon Standard and corresponding registry infrastructure, providing the dominant voluntary carbon market registry. Analogous to SABA's SAFc Registry role, Verra sets and operates the accounting infrastructure for a voluntary environmental attribute market.
• Gold Standard: Sets certification standards and operates registry infrastructure for high-integrity carbon credits. Comparable to SABA's role in defining sustainability framework standards for SAF, particularly through its parallel focus on additionality and avoidance of double-counting.
• Climate Action Reserve: Operates a major carbon offset registry and standard setter for the North American voluntary market. Comparable to SABA's SAFc Registry role in providing auditable infrastructure for tracking voluntary environmental attributes.

Direct peers

• South Pole Group: Major carbon credit developer and corporate climate solutions provider that aggregates corporate demand for voluntary carbon offsets, similar to how SABA aggregates demand for SAF certificates. Both operate as intermediaries between corporate buyers and project developers, with overlapping corporate buyer bases.
• SkyNRG: SAF solutions provider and fuel supplier that has supplied SAF to SABA's COP30 campaign and 2023-2024 RFP. While also a SABA partner, SkyNRG operates in an adjacent space, building SAF supply chains and corporate buyer relationships for high-integrity SAF.
• Watershed: Enterprise climate platform that helps companies measure, reduce, and report emissions, including procurement of carbon offsets and SAF certificates. Watershed is both a SABA member and a competitor in the broader corporate decarbonization infrastructure stack.

Emerging players

• Pachama: Tech-forward carbon credit marketplace using satellite monitoring and AI for project verification. Comparable to SABA in providing a marketplace/platform that connects corporate buyers with verified environmental attributes, though focused on forestry/offsets rather than SAF.
• Sylvera: Provides ratings, analytics, and due diligence on carbon credit quality, addressing corporate buyer concerns about project integrity. Analogous to SABA's Sustainability Framework work in bringing transparency and trust to voluntary environmental claims.
• Cloverly: Provides a carbon offset and climate action API for businesses to embed climate claims into their products and operations. Comparable to SABA's platform play in enabling corporate buyers to purchase and verify high-integrity environmental attributes.
• Patch: API-first carbon credit marketplace that allows businesses to embed carbon offset purchases directly into their checkout flows. Shares SABA's platform-based approach to making voluntary environmental attribute purchasing more accessible to enterprises.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/sustainable-aviation-buyers-alliance-saba

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance