The airline is hoping its use will help to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050
Cathay Pacific has announced its commitment to using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for 10% of its total fuel consumption by 2030.
The Hong Kong based carrier has already been using SAF for several years, making up around 2% of its pre-COVID fuel requirements annually, in a deal to purchase 1.1 million tonnes of the fuel from Fulcrum BioEnergy. Cathay became the first airline investor in the fuel manufacturer in 2014 and the flag carrier expects to be taking delivery of SAF produced by the company for its flight to the US from 2024 onwards, when Fulcrum can scale up production.
Cathay was also the first airline to partner with Airbus to use the fuel for new aircraft delivery flights from Toulouse and has so far taken 40 new examples using blended SAF.
Augustus Tang, Cathay Pacific CEO, said: “The use of SAF is key to decarbonising our operations over the next few decades. Cathay Pacific already has a head start in this space with our investment and offtake agreement with Fulcrum BioEnergy. Our new commitment is a clear signal of our determination to achieve our net-zero emissions target and to be a leader in the fight against climate change.”
Along with the commitment to using SAF, the airline has already pledged to cut its ground emissions by 32%, from 2018 figures, by 2030 which will be achieved through enhancing energy saving measures and exploring renewable energy options.
