Avelia establishes Multilateral Governance Committee

Avelia, a leading blockchain-powered book-and-claim platform aimed at scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), announced in May the formation of the Avelia Multilateral Governance Committee. 

Avelia was launched in 2022 by Shell Aviation in collaboration with American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT), Accenture and Energy Web Foundation.

Avelia said the introduction of multiparty governance of its operating procedures marks a significant milestone for the platform and reinforces its commitment to transparency, credibility and industrywide participation—upholding the collective interests of system participants.

With the establishment of the AMGC, Avelia now meets all the requirements set out in the “11 Principles and Best Practices for Book and Claim Systems in Heavy Transport,” developed by the Book and Claim Community and released in June 2024.

The Avelia Multilateral Governance Committee provides independent oversight of the Avelia rulebook and platform operations, ensuring alignment with relevant industry standards and practices.

It guides the direction and evolution of the rulebook—including rule definition and implementation through the review of audit results and proposed changes.

The committee represents everyone using the Avelia system, including existing and future customers, to ensure the appropriate expertise and independence.

“A key principle for successful book-and-claim systems is multiparty governance,” said Raman Ojha, the president of Shell Aviation. “By establishing the AMGC, we strengthen the independence and transparency of Avelia’s operating model, ensuring the platform reflects the needs of the wider aviation value chain.”

The inaugural committee brings together Shell, Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (represented by the Center for Green Market Activation, secretariat for SABA), Airlines for America (A4A), Global Business Travel Association Foundation and Amex GBT, with membership expected to expand as the platform grows.

This development is part of a broader series of measures implemented from 2025 onwards to support Avelia’s evolution into an industry solution, alongside independent data hosting and broader choice of SAF suppliers.

“Sustainable aviation fuel is a key solution to decarbonize business travel and relies on strong trust in the integrity of the market—guaranteeing that emissions reductions are real, fully traceable and supported by transparent, credible rules,” said Delphine Millot, the GBTA Foundation’s managing director. “This is why the GBTA Foundation is participating in the Avelia Multilateral Governance Committee—to ensure the corporate-travel sector has a voice in the development of SAF book-and-claim mechanisms, and that registries enable companies to turn their climate ambition into real emissions reductions.” 

Nora Lovell Marchant, Amex GBT’s vice president of sustainability, said, “American Express Global Business Travel is working to advance the SAF industry by helping to support nonprofit organizations in this space, including SABA. The formation of this Avelia Multilateral Governance Committee satisfies the final criterion to achieve full SABA eligibility. Being SABA-eligible means that the registry meets standards for sustainability, traceability, transparency and governance set by SABA.”

Sean Newsum, A4A’s managing director for environmental affairs, added, “Collaboration between airlines and their customers on the purchase of SAF through book-and-claim systems is critical for the success of the emerging SAF market. Airlines for America is glad to support the Avelia book-and-claim SAF registry in its next phase of development, expanding access to more SAF producers and connecting them to airlines and their customers.” 

 Establishing the committee marks a key milestone in Avelia’s evolution and, by embedding shared accountability and a clear governance structure, Avelia said it is laying the foundations for long-term credibility in book and claim.