Cathay and Singapore Airlines to collaborate on sustainability initiatives

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed by Cathay and Singapore Airlines (SIA), allowing them to collaborate on a broad range of sustainability initiatives. The collective efforts are aimed at advocating for the use and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the Asia-Pacific region. This is a critical decarbonisation level for the sector and shares best practices to boost sustainability performance.

Mr. Ronald Lam (Cathay Group CEO) and Mr. Goh Choon Phong (Singapore Airlines CEO) signed the MoU in Dubai, the UAE, on the sidelines of the 80^th International Air Transport Association (IATA) AGM and World Transport Summit.

The agreement focuses on two areas, underscoring both carriers’ commitments to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2020, and affirms their aim to drive sustainability changes in the airline industry.

Firstly, Cathay and SIA will jointly advocate for the greater use of SAF in the Asia-Pacific region. Initiatives in this area will include raising public awareness about SAF’s critical role in decarbonising aviation, advocating for supportive policies in the region, and promoting the creation of a standard global accounting and reporting framework to ensure the transparency and verifiability of emission reductions from the use of the fuel. The airlines will also explore potential opportunities for joint procurement of SAF at selected locations. These are aimed at boosting SAF production and supporting its wider adoption in the airline industry.

The second area of focus will be the exchange of best practices to reduce single-use plastics, minimise waste, and improve energy efficiency in ground and cargo operations. This will allow Cathay and SIA to improve their sustainability performance and speed up the development and implementation of sustainable solutions in their operations.

Mr Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Cathay Group, said: “As part of our collaborative ethos of ‘Greener Together’, we actively seek like-minded industry leaders for strategic partnerships in transitioning to sustainable aviation. 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 decarbonisation goals. Cathay was one of the first airlines in Asia to set a target of 10% SAF for its total fuel consumption by 2030, and we are undertaking a multi-pronged approach to contribute to the aviation industry’s transition towards a greener future.”

Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Singapore Airlines is committed to embedding sustainability in all aspects of our operations. At the same time, we recognise that we cannot achieve our targets alone. Our partnership with Cathay signifies our mutual ambition to enhance collaboration in sustainability initiatives in the Asia-Pacific region. 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.”