Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Programme
The Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Programme is part of our ongoing commitment to combat climate change, and one of the first of its kind in Asia. With financial support from corporate customers, we were able to supply SAF to flights departing from our home base at Hong Kong International Airport for the first time. We are also scaling up the use of SAF and uplift SAF overseas at Singapore Changi Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.
What is SAF?
SAF is one of the most important ways to decarbonise airline operations in the next few decades, especially for long-haul travel. Compared to conventional jet fuel, SAF has the potential to reduce over 80 per cent of lifecycle carbon emissions depending on the SAF technology used, as it is made from renewable and waste sources. We’ve made a commitment to use SAF for 10 per cent of our total fuel consumption by 2030: it’s all part of our commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Together, we can reduce carbon emissions generated by business travel and air freight, and lead the transition to renewable energy in aviation.
How the programme works
Our Corporate SAF Programme accelerates the global transition to sustainable aviation while providing our customers with clear documentation of their Scope 3 emissions reductions.
- Cathay Pacific sources SAF certified by internationally recognised sustainability standards.*
- Customers contribute to scale up the use of SAF on Cathay Pacific and Cathay Cargo flights.
- Cathay Pacific will make use of the SAF, instead of standard fossil jet fuel, to power flights.
- Cathay Pacific will issue a verified emissions reduction certificate and a third-party assurance letter, to help corporates reduce Scope 3 carbon emissions from business travel or cargo transportation. This includes the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for in-sector emissions reduction for aviation-related indirect emissions.
* Such as the EU Renewable Energy Directive, Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) or International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) system.
Why join our Corporate SAF Programme?
Customers who join our programme will be able to:
- Reduce Scope 3 Carbon Emissions via an insetting measure which fulfils various carbon emissions disclosure requirements, including the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
- Take the lead in accelerating the use of SAF, especially in Asia.
- Communicate a real commitment towards sustainable business travel or air cargo transportation to their stakeholders.
A message from our CEO, Ronald Lam
"We’re taking a multi-pronged approach to contribute to the aviation industry’s decarbonisation journey. Since the launch of this programme, we have received strong support from our corporate and cargo customers. This programme will help reduce carbon footprints and convey a clear message to the SAF supply chain that there is a firm demand from this part of the world. We look forward to welcoming other interested companies to sign up and join our mission to be Greener Together.”
What our corporate customers had to say
AIA
“We believe partnerships are critical in combating climate change and building a sustainable future. Our participation in Cathay Pacific’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel programme is in line with our commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050. This partnership is aligned with AIA's Purpose of helping people live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives."
Amita Chaudhury
Group Head of Sustainability
Airport Authority
Hong Kong
"We recognise that SAF is a key solution to decarbonise the aviation sector, and aim to drive uptake at Hong Kong International Airport in the coming years. We are proud to support Cathay Pacific in their ongoing efforts to uplift SAF and we encourage all airlines to join us in fostering a sustainable aviation future."
Peter Lee
General Manager, Sustainability
Dimerco Express Group
“We work closely with our customers to reduce freight-based carbon emissions. SAF stands out as a game-changer, slashing greenhouse gas emissions up to 80% compared to fossil fuels. By joining forces with Cathay Pacific, we're taking concrete action towards a more sustainable world.”
George Chiou
President - Air Freight
Kintetsu World Express
"As a group of companies in the transport sector responsible for around 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions, we must further accelerate more substantial industry-wide efforts to decarbonise. And SAF remains the most effective way for it. We are proud and delighted to keep on working with Cathay Pacific in our partnership that has lasted more than half a century. "
Nobutoshi Torii
President & CEO
PwC China
“Climate change isn’t a challenge for future generations, but one that we must all tackle today. Taking action requires all of us to work together, through innovation, collaboration and bold thinking. We are proud to be partnering with Cathay Pacific in its Corporate SAF programme to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel in the region.”
Raymund Chao
Asia Pacific and China Chairman
Standard Chartered
“We are delighted to be one of the first participants in Cathay Pacific’s Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Programme since 2022, jointly contributing to the global transition to net zero carbon emissions.”
Mary Huen
CEO, Hong Kong
Swire Pacific
“SAF is key to decarbonising the aviation sector and is an integral part of our net zero journey. We are delighted to continue to support Cathay Pacific’s Corporate SAF Programme and signal demand for low-carbon options from the business community in our home market and abroad. We hope that this partnership will provide valuable insights and pave the way for scaling up SAF uplift.”
Guy Bradley
Chairman
Yusen Logistics
“ SAF is the most realistic solution today, directly reducing greenhouse gas emission within the aviation sector. We are proud to have Cathay Pacific as our partner not only for reducing our own carbon footprint, but also for helping our clients achieve their environmental goals. Our collaboration is a testament to our dedication to environmental stewardship, marking a major step towards 2050 net-zero target.”
Chikao Hayashi
Chief Operating Officer
What our NGO partner had to say
Business Environment Council
"Being the most feasible solution currently available for adoption on a commercial scale, SAF will play a critical role in decarbonising emissions from aviation, while maintaining Hong Kong’s competitive edge as a regional and global hub. BEC’s participation in this programme signals our commitment to reducing emissions and working towards a green, liveable and sustainable Hong Kong."
Simon Ng
Chief Executive Officer
What our fuel suppliers had to say
Shell
“As a fuel supplier, we have a critical role to play in achieving net-zero emissions. We plan to become global leaders in SAF, supplying 2 million tonnes of SAF annually by 2025. We are excited to support Cathay Pacific’s Corporate SAF programme and encourage different aviation stakeholders to come together to decarbonise business travel.”
Jan Toschk
President
ExxonMobil
“ExxonMobil remains focused in supporting the decarbonisation goals of the aviation industry, leveraging our existing operational and logistical capabilities to supply lower GHG emission fuels. We are excited to collaborate with Cathay Pacific to deliver certified SAF and support their goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Ong Shwu Hoon
Asia Pacific Fuels Vice President
Join the climate fight
Learn how you can help to create a sustainable future while meeting the needs of your business..
While our SAF programme has been created for our corporate customers, individual passengers can also take action to fight against climate change. Our Fly Greener programme allows you to offset carbon emissions from your flights, with funds raised going directly to third-party-validated projects that help to reduce or prevent CO2 emissions.