Cathay Group calls aviation leaders to join efforts in reducing industry emissions by supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Ronald S.P. Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, has urged aviation leaders to support Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to advance a greener future. Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme, launched in 2022, now spans Asia, Europe, and North America, aiming for 10% SAF usage by 2030. Corporate partners like DB Schenker and Kuehne+Nagel are key contributors, promoting emissions reductions.
Ronald S.P. Lam, CEO of Cathay Group, has called on aviation industry leaders to collaborate in reducing emissions by supporting the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). “Our mission is clear: to move aviation toward a greener future. I encourage more leaders to join us on this important journey,” Lam shared in a recent LinkedIn post. Since its launch in 2022, Cathay Group’s Corporate SAF Programme has gained significant momentum, becoming a key platform for sustainability in Asia. Lam acknowledged the programme’s progress and expressed gratitude to its partners for their ongoing commitment. “We truly appreciate our corporate partners who have come together with Cathay to help reduce emissions from business travel and air cargo,” he added. Among these partners is DB Schenker, a major customer of Cathay Pacific’s cargo division for SAF. “DB Schenker is an important partner for Cathay Pacific’s cargo operations. They’ve made a substantial commitment to purchase significantly more SAF,” said Thorsten Meincke, Board Member of Air and Ocean at DB Schenker, reported The Stat Trade Times.
As per the media report, Yngve Ruud, EVP of Air Logistics at Kuehne+Nagel, also highlighted the company’s dedication to sustainability. “Our goal is to be the most trusted supply chain partner driving a sustainable future. As part of this, we’re expanding SAF’s carrier base and its global reach,” Ruud noted.
Expanding the reach of SAF, Cathay’s Corporate SAF Programme has broadened its footprint in Asia, Europe, and North America in 2024. “With the support of our partners, Cathay is helping to increase SAF usage across these key regions,” Lam explained. The airline aims to use SAF for 10% of its total fuel consumption by 2030, as part of its broader target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. SAF, which is made from renewable resources, plays a vital role in reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint. It has the potential to cut lifecycle emissions by more than 80% compared to traditional jet fuel, especially on long-haul flights. “SAF is truly a game-changer, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to fossil fuels. By partnering with Cathay Pacific, we’re taking real steps toward a more sustainable world,” said George Chiou, President of Air Freight at Dimerco Express Group.
The Corporate SAF Programme sources Sustainable Aviation Fuel that meets internationally recognized sustainability standards. Through financial contributions from corporate customers, Cathay is able to expand SAF usage across both passenger and cargo flights, replacing conventional jet fuel and significantly reducing carbon emissions. In return, Cathay provides customers with verified emissions reduction certificates, allowing them to report Scope 3 emissions reductions in line with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). “We work closely with our customers to reduce the carbon footprint of freight,” Lam added. “Together, we can cut emissions from business travel and air cargo, helping lead the way in aviation’s transition to renewable energy.”