Cebu Pacific (CEB) has become the first Philippine carrier to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for a commercial flight from Japan with its inaugural Narita-Manila SAF flight.
The Philippine carrier’s SAF flight was operated with an Airbus 321neo, using 40 per cent blended SAF produced by Neste Corporation and supplied by Itochu Corporation – a combination resulting in a 44 per cent reduction in carbon emissions per passenger.
“As we await sufficient SAF supply to meet the demand of the entire aviation industry, this inaugural Narita to Manila SAF flight represents Cebu Pacific’s ongoing efforts toward making air travel more sustainable. Other decarbonisation programs that we have put in place include investing in fuel-efficient NEOs, optimisation of flight plans, and adoption of fuel efficiency best practices to minimise fuel consumption,” said Alexander Lao, president and chief commercial officer, CEB.
“All these are concrete sustainability initiatives that bolster our commitment and support for the aviation industry’s goal of flying net-zero by 2050.”
Itochu’s energy division’s senior officer, Atsushi Onishi, added: “Our collaboration underscores the growing demand for SAF in the Asia-Pacific region and we are ready to meet that need.”
The initiative was also warmly welcomed by Narita International Airport.
Prior to the commercial flight, CEB signed a strategic partnership with Neste to work towards establishing a long-term supply of SAF across the Asia-Pacific. This initiative aligns with the airline’s sustainability goal to gradually integrate SAF into its operations, thereby reducing its carbon emissions footprint and promoting environmental consciousness.
CEB operated its first passenger flight powered by SAF in September 2022 from Singapore to Manila, making it the first low-cost carrier in South-east Asia to incorporate SAF in its commercial operation. The airline aims to integrate blended SAF for its entire commercial network by 2030.
