Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Cathay underscored its unwavering dedication to advancing the decarbonization of the aviation sector and solidifying its position as a sustainability leader by proudly supporting the launch of the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) as a co-initiator. This coalition, overseen by the Business Environment Council (BEC) and comprised of 13 founding partners spanning the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) value chain, signals a significant step toward fostering collaboration within the region.
In the October 2023 Policy Address, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasized the critical role of SAF, aligning with Cathay’s endorsement of the government’s objective to promote SAF supply. The HKSAFC, a multi-stakeholder platform, brings together aviation industry stakeholders, SAF producers, fuel suppliers, infrastructure developers, corporate users, and policymakers. The coalition’s mission is to collectively advance the development, supply, and utilization of SAF in Hong Kong.
Functioning as a catalyst for SAF adoption in Hong Kong, the HKSAFC plans to conduct whitepaper research on SAF development, engage with various stakeholders and the government, and raise public awareness regarding the benefits and challenges of SAF. Additionally, the coalition aspires to position Hong Kong as a regional SAF hub contributing to global climate mitigation efforts and China’s carbon-neutrality target.
At the launch ceremony, Mr. Liu Chun San, Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, affirmed the government’s support for using SAF to decarbonize the aviation sector. He emphasized the environmental benefits and the impact on maintaining Hong Kong International Airport’s green and sustainable development.
Cathay’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam, expressed the airline’s commitment to sustainability, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. Lam highlighted SAF as a pivotal tool for the aviation industry to meet long-term environmental goals and support the global transition to a low-carbon economy. Recognizing the collaborative effort required, Lam emphasized the importance of the HKSAFC in this journey.
The HKSAFC, led by the BEC’s CEO Simon Ng, acknowledges the aviation sector’s challenge in decarbonization and positions SAF as the most viable solution. Through collaboration with multiple stakeholders, the coalition aims to expedite SAF deployment at Hong Kong International Airport.
Cathay, an integral part of the HKSAFC, collaborates with the BEC and other partners to drive progress in decarbonization within the aviation industry. Noteworthy coalition partners include Airport Authority Hong Kong, Shell Aviation, Standard Chartered Bank, and Swire Pacific Limited.
Cathay’s proactive stance involves working closely with the government and the HKSAFC to create a conducive market for SAF. This aligns with the airline’s commitment to using SAF for 10% of its total fuel consumption by 2030. Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme, initiated in 2022, stands as Asia’s first major program of its kind, offering corporate customers the chance to reduce their carbon footprint through SAF contributions.
In summary, Cathay Pacific’s engagement with the HKSAFC and its commitment to sustainable practices underscore the airline’s proactive role in advancing the aviation industry’s decarbonization and contributing to global environmental goals.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
