SAF as key driver to achieving aviation net-zero carbon emissions

Aviation has a vital role in reducing carbon emissions, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is key to this effort, said Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) CEO Captain Sabirin Haji Abd Hamid.

In a workshop on SAF Capacity Building hosted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Department of Civil Aviation Brunei and RB, he said that the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and IATA are committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“This requires a comprehensive strategy encompassing new aircraft technologies, infrastructure improvements, carbon offsetting, and, most importantly, the use of SAF,” said Captain Sabirin, adding that climate change is real and the need for action is urgent.

Image: Analisa Amu

According to IATA’s Net Zero CO2 Emissions Policy Roadmap as of September 2024, SAF is expected to provide 65 per cent of the emissions reductions needed by 2050.

SAF is a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel made from renewable feedstocks and is seen as the most critical solution for decarbonising aviation.

Technologies such as SAF, hydrogen, and renewable electricity will progressively replace conventional jet fuels.

“SAF produced from sustainable biomass will dominate, contributing 52 per cent by 2050, with SAF-Power to Liquid technology covering another 35 per cent. But as we know, aviation is the consumer, not the producer,” said the ceo.

He added: “While we must raise the demand, it is time for the producers to step up, invest in SAF production, and scale the solutions already approved by ICAO and other global bodies.”

For RB, it has already taken significant steps towards sustainability including introducing more fuel-efficient aircraft and operational enhancements to reduce carbon emissions. The airline’s adoption of the SkyBreath software has optimised flight operations, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Image: Analisa Amu

Furthermore, the national flag carrier is set to take delivery of four Boeing 787-9 aircraft with more fuel-efficient engines by 2028, further strengthening its commitment to greener skies.

“However, this alone is not enough. Collaboration between government, industry, and global stakeholders is essential to effectively establishing the right policies and frameworks to use SAF,” stressed the ceo.

Captain Sabirin further said that with the proper policy support, Brunei could reap economic and environmental benefits by contributing to the 87 per cent SAF demand expected from the aviation sector by 2050.

Image: Analisa Amu

“Quick-win solutions such as co-processing and low-carbon aviation fuel can help us start this journey while allowing other emerging pathways to mature. Decarbonization is not an option but an existential necessity for our industry, nation, and future generations,” he concluded.

The one-day session gathered experts from IATA, Boeing, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the latest advancements in SAF technology and the challenges and opportunities for SAF production in Brunei. Attendees were also introduced to RB’s first AI-powered emcee, Aira.

Image: Analisa Amu

As RB celebrates 50 years of connecting Brunei to the world, the airline remains focused on the next phase of its journey. In line with the Wawasan 2035 vision, Royal Brunei Airlines is committed to supporting Brunei’s economic growth, driving innovation in aviation, and playing a key role in sustainable development.

Brunei is a member state of ICAO and RB is a member of IATA.

THE BRUNEIAN | BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

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