Cathay's Pioneering Move in Sustainable Aviation with the HKSAFC
In a pivotal development on Monday, January 29, 2024, Cathay Pacific Airways demonstrated its commitment to sustainable aviation by welcoming the launch of the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC), an initiative co-founded by the airline. This significant step underscores Cathay's dedication to green aviation and aligns with the Hong Kong SAR Government's emphasis on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in its 2023 Policy Address. The HKSAFC, chaired by the Business Environment Council (BEC), unites various stakeholders to foster the use and development of SAF in Hong Kong.
The coalition, comprising 13 founding partners from the SAF value chain, aims to establish Hong Kong as a regional hub for SAF. This aligns with global climate change mitigation efforts and China's carbon neutrality objectives. The HKSAFC will focus on research, stakeholder engagement, and public awareness to promote SAF adoption in the region.
Mr. Liu Chun San, JP, Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, highlighted the government's support for using SAF in decarbonizing the aviation sector. He noted SAF's importance in maintaining Hong Kong International Airport’s leading position in green and sustainable development, and its role in airline flight planning and expansion.
Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam emphasized SAF as a crucial element in achieving Cathay's carbon net-zero goal by 2050. Lam highlighted the need for collaboration in developing and utilizing SAF to retain Hong Kong's status as a premier international aviation hub.
The HKSAFC initiative is a testament to Cathay’s progressive stance on environmental responsibility. The airline's Corporate SAF Programme, launched in 2022, invites corporate customers to contribute to SAF usage, thereby reducing their carbon footprint from business travel or airfreight. This program is part of Cathay’s broader strategy to source 10% of its total fuel usage from SAF by 2030, reflecting its commitment to a more sustainable aviation future.
For more information on Cathay's environmental initiatives and the Corporate SAF Programme, visit the website.