Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines to collaborate on sustainability

Asian carriers Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines are to work together on a range of sustainability projects, including a commitment to “jointly advocate” for the greater use of SAF (sustainable aviation fuel) within the Asia Pacific region.

The CEOs of both airlines signed a memorandum of understanding to work more closely on sustainability issues during IATA’s general meeting in Dubai last week.

The agreement will focus on the two companies’ commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well as an “aspiration to help drive sustainability changes in the airline industry”.

Both Cathay and Singapore Airlines said in a joint statement that they would be “raising public awareness” about the crucial role alternative fuels will play in the industry’s attempts to decarbonise.

They will also call for 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.”

Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, said: “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.” 

The airlines will also exchange best practices in areas such as the reduction of single-use plastics, minimising wate and improving energy efficiency of ground and cargo operations.

Goh Choon Phong, Singapore Airlines’ CEO, added: “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.”