Cathay Pacific has backed the Policy Whitepaper on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Strategy for Hong Kong, released by the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC) under the Business Environment Council (BEC).

In a statement, the Hong Kong flag carrier noted that 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.

"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," Cathay said, noting that the study draws on industry research and insights from key stakeholders.

"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," the carrier said.

It noted that 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," Cathay said.

It added that 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.  

Grace Cheung, general manager of the Cathay Group, said making SAF accessible and affordable at Hong Kong International Airport is pivotal to maintaining and raising 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," she said.

Cheung noted that the multifaceted approach also aligns with Cathay's perspective that a comprehensive SAF policy is required to address this complex challenge.

"We look forward to continuing to work 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," the Cathay executive added.

In the 2024 Policy Address, Cathay pointed out the Hong Kong government's 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," the carrier said.

SAF remains the most crucial lever for decarbonising airline operations in order to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Depending on the SAF technology and feedstock used, SAF can reduce up to 80% of carbon emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to conventional jet fuel.