Hong Kong’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways will launch a pilot corporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) programme in Asia.
Under the programme, Cathay Pacific will work with eight corporates to encourage the use of SAF on its flights for business travel from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
The corporates include AIA, Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), DHL Global Forwarding, HSBC, Kintetsu World Express (KWE), PwC China, Standard Chartered and Swire Pacific.
Cathay Pacific CEO Augustus Tang said: “We continue to pioneer our industry’s move towards more substantial use of SAF, especially in Asia. Last year, we were among the first carriers in the world to announce a target of 10% SAF for our total fuel use by 2030.”
SAF can cut down up to 100% carbon emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel.
The SAF used under the programme will be produced using cooking oil and animal fat waste.
PetroChina and Shell will be the sustainable fuel providers for the Cathay Pacific pilot Corporate SAF Programme.
Additionally, the SAF used under the programme will be driven through the normal aviation-fuelling infrastructure, which will provide learning opportunities for the development of ongoing regular SAF supply from HKIA in the future.
Using a multi-pronged approach, Cathay Pacific aims to achieve its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Its carbon reduction measures include fleet modernisation, operational efficiency improvements and leveraging emerging technology breakthroughs to decarbonise aviation, as well as providing carbon offsets through its Fly Greener programme.
Last month, Cathay Pacific announced plans to re-route its flights operating between New York and Hong Kong, thereby making the route the world’s longest passenger flight.
