Cathay has welcomed 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.
The whitepaper, with input from various stakeholders, aims to help the Hong Kong SAR Government adopt a comprehensive SAF policy to promote SAF adoption and ecosystem development, as outlined in the chief executive’s recent Policy Address.
It examines the challenges of scaling up SAF adoption and outlines a plan for Hong Kong to become a regional and global SAF hub. Drawing on industry research and stakeholder insights, the document highlights the role of policymakers in driving cross-sector collaboration, financial support, and infrastructure development.
Furthermore, Cathay supports the whitepaper’s holistic approach to expanding SAF use at Hong Kong International Airport, which is key to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading aviation hub.
The whitepaper emphasises the need for the government to develop local SAF blending capacity and explore options for importing neat SAF. It recommends a feasibility study for an SAF blending facility, which would support Hong Kong’s decarbonisation goals and help maintain its position as a leading aviation hub as the industry moves toward a low-carbon future with increased SAF usage.
In the 2024 Policy Address, the government reaffirmed its commitment to SAF by announcing support for its development and use, with a target for SAF adoption to be set by the end of 2025. Cathay welcomes these initiatives and is ready to contribute to the target-setting process, drawing on its experience with international best practices while considering Hong Kong’s unique context.
Grace Cheung, general manager sustainability of Cathay Group, said: “Making SAF accessible and affordable at Hong Kong International Airport is pivotal to maintain and raise its status as a leading international aviation hub. The Policy Whitepaper emphasises the necessity of a long-term policy framework and provides practical recommendations addressing supply, demand, infrastructure, and commercial considerations.
“The multifaceted approach aligns with Cathay’s perspective that a comprehensive SAF policy is required to address this complex challenge.”
As a co-initiator of the HKSAFC, Cathay is committed to accelerating SAF adoption by sharing its global experience and advocating for corporate participation. Established in early 2024, the coalition is convened and chaired by the BEC, with 13 founding partners from the SAF value chain.
