In a significant move towards promoting sustainability in the aviation sector, Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering a wide array of sustainability initiatives.
The MoU, signed by Cathay Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam and Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Choon Phong, underscores both airlines' commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This collaboration, initiated at the 80th International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in Dubai, emphasizes the pivotal role of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in decarbonizing the aviation industry.
The agreement focuses on two primary areas of collaboration. Firstly, Cathay and SIA will work together to advocate for increased usage of SAF in the Asia-Pacific region. This entails raising public awareness about SAF's importance in decarbonization, lobbying for supportive policies, and promoting the establishment of a standardized global accounting framework to ensure transparency in emission reductions.
Additionally, both airlines will explore opportunities for joint procurement of SAF at selected locations, aiming to bolster SAF production and facilitate its widespread adoption in the industry.
The second area of focus involves the exchange of best practices to reduce single-use plastics, minimize waste, and enhance energy efficiency in ground and cargo operations. By sharing expertise in these areas, Cathay and SIA aim to improve their sustainability performance and expedite the implementation of eco-friendly solutions across their operations.
Ronald Lam of Cathay Group expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “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 decarbonization goals.”
Echoing Lam's sentiments, Singapore Airlines' CEO Goh Choon Phong emphasized, “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.”
