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.¡±