Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific has pledged to use
Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) for 10 per cent of its total fuel consumption
by 2030.
The commitment is part of the airline’s goal of achieving
net-zero emissions by 2050 and continues the group’s efforts in supporting SAF
development. In 2014, Cathay Pacific was the first airline investor in Fulcrum
BioEnergy, from which the carrier has committed to purchasing 1.1 million
tonnes of SAF over 10 years. It said it expects to begin taking delivery of
fuel produced by Fulcrum and using it on a wider basis for its flights from the
US starting in 2024.
Cathay Pacific has also taken delivery of more than 40 new
aircraft using blended SAFs since 2016 through a partnership with Airbus.
CEO Augustus Tang said: “The ability to achieve [the net-zero
emissions target] does not rest with airlines alone. We are calling on support
from various stakeholder groups to help make it a reality, from policy makers,
the energy sector, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and even our customers,
who are keen to reduce their carbon footprint. Only by joining hands can we
meet this ambitious goal together.”
Cathay Pacific says it is taking a “multi-pronged approach”
towards sustainably returning to the skies following the pandemic. Other
components of its strategy include fleet modernisation, operational efficiency
improvements, aviation and carbon capture technology innovations and carbon
offsets through its Fly Greener programme, which has offset more than 300,000
tonnes of emissions since 2007.
In addition, the airline has pledged to cut its absolute
ground emissions by 32 per cent compared to 2018 levels by 2030 through
energy-saving measures and exploring renewable sources in its facilities and
ground operations.