Cathay is reinforcing its commitment to decarbonising the aviation sector by aiming to improve its carbon intensity by 12% by 2030 compared to the 2019 level. This step advances Cathay’s ultimate goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and furthers the airline’s desire to lead the way in sustainability.
By lowering carbon emissions from Cathay’s jet fuel use per revenue tonne kilometre (RTK) from 761 gCO2/RTK to 670 gCO2/RTK, the new near-term target seeks to increase carbon intensity. To accomplish these improvements, Cathay will be adding more than 70 new passenger and freighter aircraft to its fleet in the upcoming years. These aircraft can be up to 25% more fuel efficient than their predecessors.
To meet the new target and ultimately achieve net-zero operations, the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) must be accelerated. Going one step further, Cathay plans to use SAF to offset 10% of the carbon emissions from employee duty travel on Cathay Pacific flights starting in 2024. Since 2007, the airline has used carbon credits through its voluntary carbon offset programme, Fly Greener, to offset all emissions from employee duty travel on flights with the airline. This new initiative is consistent with Cathay’s leadership role in accelerating the development and deployment of SAF in the region and, more importantly, helps it reach its goal of 10% SAF usage by 2030.
“Despite being a major airline with one of the best carbon intensity performances in the world*, we are determined to improve our climate performance even further via accelerating the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), modernising our fleet and driving operational improvements. This new carbon intensity target will provide necessary drive for actions in the immediate future towards achieving our long-term goals.”
Ronald Lam, Chief Executive Officer at Cathay Pacific.
Cathay recognises the difficulties involved in making the switch to more sustainable energy in aviation, being among the first airlines in Asia to establish a target of 10% SAF for its overall fuel consumption by 2030. In order to solve this, Cathay promotes a collaborative ethos called “Greener Together,” calling on all stakeholders involved to join forces in this crucial endeavour. Cathay has implemented a multifaceted strategy to establish strategic alliances with like-minded companies and stakeholders throughout the SAF value chain to further this goal. This includes co-founding the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition earlier this year and introducing Asia’s first significant business SAF Programme to help business customers use SAF to reduce their aviation-related indirect emissions.
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