Biomass-based sustainable aviation fuel is a key factor in decarbonizing the aviation industry. (Photo: iStock)
The aviation sector is considered one of the world’s hardest-to-abate industries. With the drive toward net zero, airlines are actively seeking solutions to curb emissions from both operations and fuel.
In Southeast Asia, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has long been ranked among the world’s top carriers by Skytrax, while Indonesia’s Garuda Indonesia is one of the few regional flag carriers to earn a five-star certification. Facing the net-zero challenge, how are these airlines responding to maintain their competitiveness?
Aviation’s net-zero hurdle: SAF supply and cost
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared with conventional jet fuel and is expected to be the linchpin for achieving net zero by 2050. However, a World Economic Forum (WEF) report notes that three of the five key risks to aviation decarbonization are tied to SAF — particularly its availability and cost, which industry executives view as the greatest challenges.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) was among the first in Asia to use SAF, operating a San Francisco-bound flight on biofuel in 2017. It also became an early signatory to the Global Sustainable Aviation Fuel Declaration, pledging to accelerate SAF development, production, and adoption. The airline is working toward using a 5% SAF blend by 2030.
