Cathay Pacific has reaffirmed its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. It has stated that it is committed to the use of, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), for 10% of total the airlines fuel usage by 2030. It will be Asia’s first airline to establish a timeline for making carbon neutrality a reality.
The airline’s pledge comes ahead of the Group’s Sustainable Development Report 2020, which examines the Group’s strategy and performance in terms of environmental, social, and governance issues.
Setting the right example
For more than a decade, the carrier has led the way in promoting SAF development.
It was the first airline to invest in Fulcrum BioEnergy in 2014, and the airline has already committed to purchasing 1.1 million tonnes of SAF over the next ten years, covering around 2% of its annual pre-Covid-19 fuel demand.
Once Fulcrum has expanded its manufacturing, Cathay plans to begin receiving SAF produced by Fulcrum in 2024, and use it on a larger scale for its flights departing the US.
The airline was also the first to collaborate with Airbus, to adopt SAF on new aircraft delivery flights from its Toulouse factory in France. Cathay Pacific has received nearly 40 brand new aircraft using blended SAF, since the cooperation began in 2016.
Cathay Pacific CEO Augustus Tang said, “The use of sustainable aviation fuel is critical to decarbonizing our operations over the next few decades. With our investment and offtake arrangement with Fulcrum BioEnergy, Cathay Pacific has a head start in this space.”
“Our new goal of having SAF account for 10% of total fuel use by 2030 demonstrates our commitment to meeting our net-zero emissions goals and becoming a pioneer in the fight against climate change.”
“The ability to attain this aim does not lay just with airlines,” he continued.
“We are seeking support from a variety of stakeholders, including legislators, the energy sector, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and even our customers who want to decrease their carbon footprint.”
“Only by working together can we achieve this lofty goal.”
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