Cebu Pacific uses reduced carbon emission fuel in Singapore-Manila flight
The Cebu Pacific (CEB) has operated a passenger flight powered by fuel with reduced carbon emissions, the first Philippine carrier to incorporate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
In a statement, the Cebu Pacific said the SAF-fed flight, from Singapore to Manila, was operated using an Airbus A321neo.
“SAF will help the aviation industry reduce its carbon emissions,” said Alex Reyes, chief Strategy Officer of the Cebu Pacific.
“We encourage more producers to increase the supply of SAF in the region. Our first passenger flight using SAF is a culmination of months of cooperation with valued partners and is an important component of our sustainability program," he added.
SAF is a “drop-in” replacement for fossil fuels made up of 100 percent renewable waste and raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. Using SAF results in up to 80% reduction in carbon emissions over the fuel's life cycle.
The chemical and physical characteristics of SAF are almost identical to those of conventional jet fuel, and these can be safely mixed with regular jet fuel to varying degrees. SAF does not require any adaptations to the aircraft or engines and does not have any negative impact on performance or maintenance.
The send-off event at Singapore’s Changi International Airport Terminal 4 was marked with Filipino festivities to showcase Philippine culture.
"We applaud Cebu Pacific for taking the first step on their SAF journey and are honored that they have chosen to do so from Changi Airport. Changi Airport Group looks forward to supporting more airlines on their SAF journey, to power sustainable air travel together,” said Mr Yeo Kia Thye, Managing Director, Airport Operations Planning and Airside at Changi Airport Group.
A day before the commercial flight, Cebu Pacific signed a long-term strategic partnership with Shell Eastern Petroleum to collaborate on making SAF more widely available, demonstrating the two parties’ commitment to decarbonization and sustainability.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) explores the supply and purchase of SAF in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, with an initial supply volume of at least 25 kilotons per year.