The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has officially launched the Asia Pacific Sustainable Aviation Centre (APSAC) — a regional hub dedicated to advancing sustainable aviation through cutting-edge policy research, strategic collaboration, and capacity-building initiatives. With surging air travel demand and growing climate urgency, APSAC aims to help Asia-Pacific nations achieve both economic and environmental goals — not one at the expense of the other.
Global Leaders Gather for Milestone MOU Signing
On 14 July 2025, APSAC will formalise its collaboration with industry giants and government leaders by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Global Aviation and Maritime Symposium in Singapore. The high-profile event will be attended by the Secretaries-General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), alongside ministers and top aviation regulators from around the world.
In a key highlight, APSAC, CAAS and its Advisory Council partners will host a Roundtable on Advancing Sustainable Aviation with ICAO Secretary-General Juan Carlos Salazar and more than 20 Directors-General of Civil Aviation from across the region.
Mr Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS and Chairman of APSAC said:
The new Centre answers the “how” question and seeks to provide individual States a menu of policy options and instruments to advance their aviation sustainability goals taking into account their respective national circumstances.”
The partners include:
- Airbus
- Boeing
- Chevron
- ExxonMobil
- GenZero
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
APSAC’s First-Year Priorities
APSAC will tackle four key missions in its inaugural year:
-
Engage Asia-Pacific States and civil aviation authorities to understand their unique sustainability needs and chart actionable roadmaps.
-
Convene private and academic partners to accelerate innovation and share best practices.
-
Launch joint projects, studies and trials with partners to support sustainable aviation policies.
-
Deliver training programmes and conferences to strengthen institutional capabilities across the region.
Mr Philip Goh, Chief Executive Officer of the APSAC expressed his commitment to driving transformation:
Aviation sustainability is an urgent priority, and I look forward to building up partnerships to work on regional projects and capacity-building programmes, that can deliver tangible and meaningful outcomes for Asia-Pacific States.”
Aviation Boom Meets Climate Urgency
Air travel demand in Asia-Pacific is projected to triple in the next two decades, driven by a burgeoning middle class and economic development. Yet, the region’s aviation growth comes with a clear imperative: climate responsibility.
With the ICAO’s global Long-term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) targeting net zero carbon emissions by 2050, APSAC is positioned to help regional States navigate the path forward by offering tailored, pragmatic solutions that respect national contexts.
What innovative solutions do you think are most crucial to achieving net zero in the skies? Share your thoughts below!
