Tuesday, December 10, 2024 ​ ​ ​ Cathay welcomes the release of the Policy Whitepaper on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Strategy for Hong Kong, issued by the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) under the Business Environmental Council (BEC). With a wide representation from cross-sectoral stakeholders, the analysis and recommendations outlined in the whitepaper aim to support the Hong Kong SAR Government in adopting a comprehensive SAF policy that will foster robust SAF adoption and ecosystem development in Hong Kong as outlined in the Chief Executive’s recent Policy Address.

The whitepaper has taken a careful study of the challenges around scaling up SAF adoption and the feasible blueprint for Hong Kong to advance as a regional and global hub for SAF. By drawing on industry research and insights from key stakeholders, the whitepaper elaborates on the vital roles played by policy makers in terms of steering government-led cross-sector collaborations, financial mechanisms and infrastructure development in realising the blueprint. Cathay supports the whitepaper’s holistic approach to establishing a comprehensive and long-term development plan for scaling up SAF usage from Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), which is important for strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading international aviation hub.

One of the essential steps the white paper has highlighted is the need for the Government to develop local SAF blending capacity, including arrangements for neat SAF imports. The government is suggested to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of an SAF blending facility, which will eventually facilitate the establishment of such a facility locally. These initiatives would solidify Hong Kong’s effort to decarbonise and ensure the city remains competitive as an international aviation hub as the aviation industry transitions to a low-carbon future with increasing usage of SAF.  

Cathay Group General Manager Sustainability Grace Cheung said: “Making Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) accessible and affordable at Hong Kong International Airport is pivotal to maintain and raise its status as a leading international aviation hub. The Policy Whitepaper emphasises the necessity of a long-term policy framework and provides practical recommendations addressing supply, demand, infrastructure, and commercial considerations.  

“The multifaceted approach aligns with Cathay’s perspective that a comprehensive SAF policy is required to address this complex challenge. We look forward to continuing working with other industry players to support the Hong Kong SAR Government in further developing a supportive SAF policy that could strengthen the city’s leading role in aviation.”  

In the 2024 Policy Address, the Government underscored its commitment to SAF by announcing support for SAF development and use, with a usage target to be set by the end of 2025. Cathay welcomes these initiatives and stands ready to contribute to the target-setting process, riding on its experience with international best practices while considering Hong Kong’s unique circumstances. 

SAF remains the most crucial lever for decarbonising airline operations in order to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF can reduce up to 80% of carbon emissions on a lifecycle basis, depending on the SAF technology and feedstock used. 

Cathay Pacific was among the first airlines in the world to commit to a 2030 usage target of 10% SAF in total fuel consumption on its operating flights. Since then, the airline has successfully conducted SAF uplifts at both Hong Kong and other airports worldwide. To accelerate the transition to SAF, Cathay also launched its Corporate SAF Programme in 2022, enabling corporate partners to reduce their indirect emissions associated with air travel and airfreight services.   

As the co-initiator of the HKSAFC, Cathay is committed to accelerating SAF adoption by sharing its global experience in using SAF and advocating for corporate participation and support. Established in early 2024, the coalition is convened and chaired by the BEC, along with 13 founding partners from the SAF value chain. 

References:

Press release issued by BEC: https://bec.org.hk/en/node/1603

The full Policy Whitepaper: https://bec.org.hk/sites/default/files/publications/SAF%20Strategy%20for%20HK.pdf