Rivals Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines team up to source sustainable aviation fuel
- The two major airlines sign deal which includes agreement to explore joint procurement of green fuel at select locations
Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines (SIA), two of Asia’s top aviation firms, have tied up to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the region, a critical initiative for a sector which is facing decarbonisation challenges.
The chief executive officers of the Hong Kong-based and Singapore-based airlines on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding on the sidelines of the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) annual general meeting and world air transport summit in Dubai to work on sustainability initiatives, the companies said in a joint statement.
The agreement will explore joint procurement of SAF at select locations, advocate supportive policies in the region and help in the creation of a standard global accounting and reporting framework, which ensures transparency and verifiability of reductions of emissions due to usage of aviation fuel.
The two aviation companies also agreed to exchange best practices for the reduction of single-use plastic, minimisation of waste and improving energy efficiency in ground and cargo operations.
“Our collaboration with Singapore Airlines aims to accelerate and support the development of the SAF supply chain in the region, fostering a reliable sustainable fuel ecosystem to enable the industry to achieve its long-term decarbonisation goals,” said Ronald Lam, Cathay Group CEO.
