Cathay Pacific commits to 10% SAF of total fuel consumption by 2030

Photo: Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific reaffirmed its commitment to reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 by pledging to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for 10 percent of its total fuel consumption by 2030.

“The use of SAF is key to decarbonizing our operations over the next few decades,” said Augustus Tang, CEO of Cathay Pacific. “Cathay Pacific already has a head start in this space with our investment and offtake agreement with Fulcrum BioEnergy.”

In 2014, Cathay Pacific was the first airline investor in Fulcrum BioEnergy, from which the airline has committed to purchasing more than 1 million tons of SAF over 10 years—enough to cover 2 percent of its preCOVID-19 fuel requirements per year. The airline expects to start using SAF from Fulcrum for its flights leaving the U.S. in 2024, when Fulcrum plans to scale up production.

“Our new commitment to have SAF comprise 10 percent of our total fuel consumption by 2030 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,” Tang said.

Tang added that airlines can’t achieve net-zero emissions alone though. “We are calling on support from various stakeholder groups to help make it a reality, from policymakers, the energy sector, aircraft and engine manufacturers, and even our customers, who are keen to reduce their carbon footprint,” Tang said.