The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. This goal exceeds the aviation industry’s 2050 goal of reducing carbon emissions by 50 per cent. AAPA’s target also includes a 1.5 per cent increase in fuel efficiency and a carbon-neutral growth strategy to stabilise net carbon emissions.
The APAC region’s approach to this goal will be through a multi-industry initiative based on a mix of technology, operational improvements, sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), and a worldwide market-based measure, the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA).
The APAC region can account for over 40 per cent of worldwide SAF demand, however the region currently lacks production and supply infrastructure. The aviation industry will require large amounts of SAF because 80 per cent of emissions come from flights exceeding 1,500 kms, for which aircraft fuelled by alternative energy sources such as electricity and hydrogen are not available.
