Cebu Pacific signs MOU with Neste for sustainable aviation fuel supply

Photo: Cebu Pacific

Cebu Pacific, the Philippines’ leading airline, announced Oct. 19 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Neste, the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), to explore the supply and purchase of SAF in Asia Pacific.

SAF, an alternative fuel made from sustainable feedstocks, holds significant potential to reduce carbon emissions of air travel by up to 80 percent over the fuel’s lifecycle compared to using conventional jet fuel.

“Carbon emissions are a pressing concern in the aviation industry,” said Alex Reyes, chief strategy officer of Cebu Pacific.

“To this end, Cebu Pacific has laid out initiatives to address our emissions footprint, with a primary focus on integrating SAF in its operations,” Reyes continued. “This will consequently minimize the environmental impact generated from our flights.”

Cebu Pacific said its partnership with Neste “signifies its steadfast commitment to minimizing its environmental impact and providing more sustainable travel for its passengers.”

The initiative also aligns with the global aviation industry’s long-term aspirational goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“Sustainable aviation fuel is a readily available solution for reducing the greenhouse-gas emissions from air travel,” said Sami Jauhiainen, acting executive vice president of Neste’s renewable aviation business unit.

“We are proud that we are going to support Cebu Pacific’s commitment to reduce their environmental impact by using our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel, and we look forward to build the cooperation with CEB in the future,” Jauhiainen added.

In September 2022, Cebu Pacific operated its first passenger flight powered by blended SAF from Singapore to Manila.

This achievement made Cebu Pacific the first low-cost carrier in Southeast Asia and the first Philippine airline to incorporate SAF in its commercial operations.

Building on this success, the airline has announced another upcoming SAF-powered commercial flight from Narita (Tokyo) to Manila Oct. 25.

Cebu Pacific said it aims to transition to an all-neo fleet by 2028 and will incorporate the use of blended SAF for its entire commercial network by 2030.