Cathay expands sustainable aviation fuel program with new global partnerships

In 2024 alone, programme partners have committed to using 2,650 tonnes of SAF (equivalent to 906,000 US gallons), which corresponds to an approximate reduction of 8,060 tonnes of carbon emissions—three times last year's reduction.

Ronald Lam, Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer stated: “Our Corporate SAF Programme has now entered into its third year and keeps expanding. The programme is a key pillar in Cathay’s overall approach to leading the aviation industry’s decarbonisation. With growing support from our corporate travel and cargo customers, Cathay continues to increase SAF usage across our network worldwide. In doing so, our customers are able to help reduce emissions from their air travel and airfreight.”

SAF remains essential for decarbonising airline operations until alternatively powered aircraft become widely available for commercial use. Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF can potentially reduce over 80% of carbon emissions on a lifecycle basis depending on technology and feedstock used.

Cathay Pacific was among the first airlines globally to set a target for using 10% SAF by 2030 for its total fuel consumption. Since then, it has successfully conducted SAF uplifts at Hong Kong International Airport and other international airports.

Beyond increasing SAF adoption levels further upscaling is supported by fleet modernisation operational efficiency improvements emerging technology breakthroughs high-quality carbon offsets removals all contributing towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Additional information about Cathay's Corporate SAF Programme can be found here.

Cathay Director Customer Travel Erica Peng (front row third from right), Cathay Director Cargo Tom Owen (front row fifth from right), Cathay General Manager Group Sustainability Grace Cheung (front row fourth from right) alongside Corporate SAF Programme partners celebrate shared commitment in advancing sustainable aviation fuel usage.