Cathay and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on a broad range of sustainability initiatives, including the development and use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the Asia-Pacific region, and sharing best practices to boost sustainability performance.
The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit.
The agreement, which focuses on two key areas, underscores both carriers’ commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and affirms their aspiration to help drive sustainability changes in the airline industry.
Firstly, Cathay and SIA will jointly push for the greater use of SAF in the Asia-Pacific region. Initiatives in this area will include raising public awareness about SAF’s critical role in decarbonising aviation, advocating for supportive policies in the region, and promoting the creation of a standard global accounting and reporting framework to ensure the transparency and verifiability of emission reductions from the use of the fuel.
Both airlines will also explore potential opportunities for joint procurement of SAF at selected locations to boost SAF production and support its wider adoption in the airline industry.
The second area of focus will be the exchange of best practices to reduce single-use plastics, minimise waste, and improve energy efficiency in operations.
Ronald Lam, CEO, Cathay Group, said: “Our collaboration with Singapore Airlines aims to accelerate and support the development of the SAF supply chain in the region, fostering a reliable SAF ecosystem to enable the industry to achieve its long-term decarbonisation goals.”
“Our partnership with Cathay signifies our mutual ambition to enhance collaboration in sustainability initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. Together we are helping to set the foundation for a more sustainable aviation industry, and ensure that future generations continue to reap the benefits of air travel,” added Goh Choon Phong, CEO, Singapore Airlines.
