Cathay Pacific Supports Hong Kong’s SAF Policy Whitepaper, Driving Sustainable Aviation Fuel Adoption
Cathay looks forward to contributing to wider sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption and usage at its home hub
(IN SHORT) Cathay Pacific has expressed strong support for the Policy Whitepaper on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Strategy for Hong Kong, released by the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition. The whitepaper outlines a comprehensive plan to increase SAF adoption, positioning Hong Kong as a leader in sustainable aviation. Cathay supports the development of local SAF blending facilities and infrastructure, which will help Hong Kong meet decarbonization goals and maintain its competitive edge. The airline also commits to contributing to the 2025 SAF usage targets and continuing efforts to increase SAF use globally, including its Corporate SAF Programme launched in 2022.
(PRESS RELEASE) Hong Kong, China, 2024-Dec-11 — /Travel PR News/ — Cathay Pacific has expressed its strong support for the release of the Policy Whitepaper on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Strategy for Hong Kong, issued by the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) under the Business Environmental Council (BEC). The whitepaper outlines a comprehensive roadmap for scaling up SAF usage and development, aiming to position Hong Kong as a regional and global leader in SAF adoption, aligning with goals outlined in the Chief Executive’s recent Policy Address.
The whitepaper provides an in-depth analysis of the challenges surrounding SAF adoption, offering practical solutions for overcoming obstacles and fostering a robust SAF ecosystem. By engaging cross-sector stakeholders and leveraging industry insights, the whitepaper stresses the importance of government-driven policy collaboration, financial support, and infrastructure development in realizing the vision for SAF in Hong Kong. Cathay Pacific is fully supportive of this holistic approach, recognizing its potential to strengthen Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) as a key international aviation hub.
A crucial recommendation in the whitepaper is the development of local SAF blending capacity, including the creation of facilities for importing neat SAF. The government is advised to conduct a feasibility study to explore the possibility of establishing such facilities. These efforts are seen as vital for Hong Kong’s decarbonization goals and for maintaining the city’s competitive edge in the global aviation market as SAF use grows.
Grace Cheung, Cathay Group’s General Manager of Sustainability, commented, “Ensuring that SAF is both accessible and affordable at Hong Kong International Airport is vital for maintaining the airport’s position as a leading international aviation hub. The Policy Whitepaper underscores the importance of a long-term, comprehensive policy framework, addressing the needs for supply, demand, infrastructure, and commercial considerations.”
Cheung further emphasized that Cathay shares the whitepaper’s view on the need for a cohesive SAF policy to navigate the complexities of scaling up SAF usage. The airline is eager to continue collaborating with other industry stakeholders to help the Hong Kong SAR Government develop and implement an effective SAF strategy that will enhance the city’s role in sustainable aviation.
In line with the Hong Kong Government’s 2024 Policy Address, which reiterated support for SAF development and usage, Cathay welcomes the announced targets for SAF usage by the end of 2025. The airline is committed to contributing to this process, bringing its global expertise in SAF use to help guide the development of a practical and impactful policy.
SAF remains a key driver in decarbonizing the aviation industry, helping airlines meet their net-zero carbon emissions targets by 2050. SAF can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle, depending on the technology and feedstock used.
Cathay Pacific was one of the first airlines to set a target of 10% SAF in total fuel consumption by 2030. Since then, the airline has successfully conducted SAF uplifts at both Hong Kong and other global airports. To further accelerate the SAF transition, Cathay launched its Corporate SAF Programme in 2022, allowing corporate partners to reduce their indirect emissions associated with air travel and airfreight services.
As a co-founder of the HKSAFC, Cathay is dedicated to accelerating SAF adoption, sharing its global SAF experience, and advocating for corporate involvement in the transition to sustainable aviation.
Media Contact:
Tel: 2747 3333
press@cathaypacific.com
Source: Cathay Pacific
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