Cathay backs new policy whitepaper on sustainable aviation fuel strategy

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Cathay backs new policy whitepaper on sustainable aviation fuel strategy

Policy

Mandy Ng Director Service Delivery | Cathay Pacific

By Sky Industry News

Dec 10, 2024

Cathay has expressed its support for the newly released Policy Whitepaper on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Strategy for Hong Kong. The document, issued by the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) under the Business Environmental Council (BEC), outlines strategies to help the Hong Kong SAR Government develop a comprehensive SAF policy. This initiative aims to promote SAF adoption and ecosystem development in line with the Chief Executive’s recent Policy Address.

The whitepaper provides an analysis of challenges related to scaling up SAF adoption and offers a blueprint for establishing Hong Kong as a regional and global hub for SAF. It emphasizes the importance of government-led collaborations, financial mechanisms, and infrastructure development in achieving these goals. Cathay supports this approach, recognizing its potential to enhance Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub.

A key recommendation from the whitepaper is for the government to develop local SAF blending capacity and explore neat SAF import arrangements. A feasibility study on constructing an SAF blending facility is suggested, which could bolster Hong Kong's efforts to decarbonize and maintain competitiveness in aviation.

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Grace Cheung, Cathay Group General Manager Sustainability, stated: “Making Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) accessible and affordable at Hong Kong International Airport is pivotal to maintain and raise its status as a leading international aviation hub. The Policy Whitepaper emphasises the necessity of a long-term policy framework and provides practical recommendations addressing supply, demand, infrastructure, and commercial considerations."

Cheung added that Cathay looks forward to collaborating with industry players to support further development of supportive SAF policies by the Hong Kong SAR Government.

In its 2024 Policy Address, the government highlighted its commitment to SAF by announcing plans for setting usage targets by 2025. Cathay welcomes these initiatives and intends to contribute based on its experience with international best practices while considering local circumstances.

SAF is considered crucial for reducing carbon emissions in airline operations, potentially cutting emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel depending on technology and feedstock used.

Cathay Pacific was among the first airlines globally committed to using 10% SAF in total fuel consumption by 2030. The airline has conducted successful SAF uplifts at various airports worldwide since then. In 2022, it launched a Corporate SAF Programme aimed at helping corporate partners reduce their indirect emissions from air travel and freight services.

As co-initiator of HKSAFC alongside BEC and other partners from across the value chain established early this year—Cathay remains dedicated towards accelerating widespread adoption through sharing experiences globally advocating participation within corporations supporting such endeavors moving forward into future developments regarding sustainable fuels overall