Major breakthrough for sustainable aviation fuels: Launch of Finvest global investment portal at ICAO Innovation Fair
International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) partner to accelerate financing for sustainable aviation fuels
For immediate release
Montréal, 22 September 2025 – The landmark launch of the Finvest@ETAF portal by ICAO and IRENA, marks a significant advancement in aviation's journey toward net zero carbon emissions. The portal will support ICAO’s Finvest Hub, which is addressing the most critical pathway for the decarbonization of air transport by facilitating investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) and low-carbon aviation projects.
ICAO will cooperate with several financing platforms to operationalize the Finvest Hub, with IRENA being the first.
“This launch marks a significant milestone in aviation’s net zero carbon emission journey with the establishment of our Finvest hub,” said ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar. “Our agreement with IRENA focuses on a partnership arrangement to facilitate financial resources through the ICAO Finvest@ETAF portal, for scaling up SAF and other cleaner energy solutions.”
He added that “It is a first-of-its-kind gateway between project developers and financiers” and that “this matchmaking function, using ICAO's sustainability criteria, helps de-risk investments while ensuring environmental integrity.”
The portal's launch was a centerpiece of the ICAO Innovation Fair, where Salvatore Sciacchitano, President of the ICAO Council, emphasized that "Innovation is providing the foundation for continued progress and sustainable development for future generations."
Project developers worldwide are invited to submit proposals to the portal, ensuring a strong pipeline of initiatives from every region. "The success of Finvest@ETAF will depend on a strong pipeline of projects from every region. Working together through Finvest@ETAF, we can achieve our vision of offering green and vibrant air transport to all," added Salazar.
The Innovation Fair provided a global platform to develop policy ideas and foster partnerships that will underpin progress towards ICAO’s Long-Term Strategic Plan, which envisions zero fatalities and net zero carbon emission air transport for everyone, everywhere by mid-century.
The event featured dynamic panels and hands-on demonstrations covering advanced air mobility, digitalization, automation, and sustainable fuels.
The Fair also highlighted the essential role of youth and diversity in driving aviation's transformation, with the ICAO Innovation Competition showcasing bold, youth-led solutions.
Looking forward, the discussions at Fair will inform states' deliberations on binding resolutions on innovation and sustainability at the ICAO Assembly, which opens tomorrow at the organization's headquarters in Montréal.
Resources for Editors
ICAO Innovation Fair
42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly
About ICAO
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and its 193 member states develop and implement global aviation strategies, technical standards, and capacity building activities to enhance the safety, sustainability, and inclusivity of air services worldwide. ICAO's mission is to expand access to air transport while progressing towards zero aviation fatalities and net-zero carbon emissions.
General queries
icaohq [at] icao.int (icaohq[at]icao[dot]int)
Media queries
media.relations [at] icao.int (media[dot]relations[at]icao[dot]int)
Contact for media accreditation to the ICAO Assembly
William Raillant-Clark
Communications Officer
wraillantclark [at] icao.int (wraillantclark[at]icao[dot]int)