Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines inks collaboration for SAF development

Photo: CAAP

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced June 15 that it has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with two partners to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

In a statement June 15, CAAP said it signed a deal with Island Skies Alliance for the development of a national SAF ecosystem through stakeholder coordination, pilot projects, capacity-building programs, carbon-market initiatives and private-sector engagement.

It also signed a deal with the Global Green Growth Institute for technical assistance, policy development, capacity-building and access to international expertise to support SAF development and broader aviation sustainability initiatives.

CAAP said the agreements are aligned with global aviation climate goals under the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation and support the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing a sustainable transportation system.

In the Philippines, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific pioneered the use of a 35 percent blended SAF in 2022.

The Philippines and South Korea's flag carriers have also been exploring the integration of SAF in their flight operations to lessen their carbon footprint. 

SAF is made up of renewable waste and raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste.

The use of SAF results in up to 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions.