Neste supplies SAF to Cathay Group, scaling use across 3 major aviation regions

Photo: Cathay Group

Neste announced Dec. 18 that it and Cathay Group have agreed on the supply of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ for the group’s aviation operations across three major aviation regions: Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific.

This agreement supports Cathay to scale up its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). 

Leveraging Neste’s SAF supply capabilities at major international airports, Neste has been delivering blended SAF for use on Cathay Pacific flights from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in Europe and Los Angeles International Airport in the U.S.

Neste has also provided SAF to Singapore Changi Airport in the Asia-Pacific region for flights operated by Air Hong Kong, an all-cargo airline owned by the Cathay Group.

The SAF is supplied into the fuel facilities of these airports blended with conventional jet fuel.

“Partnering with Neste marks a significant step toward our shared vision of decarbonizing air travel,” said Kristof Van Passel, the head of procurement operations and sustainability with Cathay Pacific. “This collaboration is among our multifaceted strategy in accelerating the adoption of SAF within our extensive network, which reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring we deliver meaningful impact for our customers and the air-transport industry. SAF continues to play an important role in our decarbonization journey as the most viable solution today for addressing emissions associated with flying.”

Mario Mifsud, a biofuels sales and trading executive with Neste, added, “Neste is proud to support Cathay Group in its journey to reduce greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions by supplying Neste MY SAF. Our global SAF production and supply capabilities offer international airlines such as Cathay a viable option to scale up usage of SAF, which is a key lever to reduce aviation-related emissions. At the same time, it enables Cathay’s customers to reduce the GHG emissions of their air travel and transport activities.”

Neste’s SAF is made from renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal-fat waste.

SAF is certified for commercial use and can currently be blended up to 50 percent with conventional jet fuel before use.

It works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.

Today, Neste’s global SAF production capability is 1.5 million tons per year and is set to grow to 2.2 million tons in 2027.