AAPA commits to 5% SAF target by 2030

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), representing 14 airline operators of the region, pledged to a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) utilisation target of 5% by 2030.

“By highlighting their collective ambition on SAF usage, AAPA airlines are indicating the level of SAF demand as an impetus for governments to consider the necessary support initiatives for SAF supply, and for fuel producers to plan SAF production capacity, to meet the needs of the industry,” said AAPA director general Subhas Menon.

AAPA members include Air Astana, Air India, ANA, Bangkok Airways, Cathay Pacific, China Airlines, Eva Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways.

The airlines agreed that SAF production is nascent globally and only an adequate supply of SAF would effectively mitigate CO2 emissions in international aviation.

“A harmonised global framework that enables the cost-effective supply of SAF is crucial for aviation to attain its net zero emissions goal by 2050,” said Menon.

“SAF is both essential and desirable for the aviation industry. In addition, SAF production represents a new growth and income opportunity for states as well as for waste, agriculture, and fuel industries, globally. Government policy to encourage the production and take-up of SAF everywhere in the world is needed to transition to an environmentally sustainable international aviation industry.”