Cathay Pacific commits to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050

The Cathay Pacific Group has committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, making it one of the first airlines in Asia to establish a carbon neutrality timetable. The group subsequently released its "2020 Sustainable Development Report," outlining the management approach and performance of Cathay Pacific and its subsidiaries on environmental, social and governance issues.

Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Augustus Tang said: "The unprecedented pandemic has brought global economic activity to a standstill, and we absolutely cannot sit idly by in the face of imminent risks. In fact, climate change may pose an even more severe potential crisis, and therefore demands even greater attention and active response."

Although the aviation industry accounted for less than 3% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions before the COVID-19 pandemic, Cathay, as a major international airline, bears social and environmental responsibilities and is taking the lead in moving toward sustainable development, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the beauty of travel.

Augustus Tang said this will be achieved through: (1) Investing in sustainable aviation fuel: The Cathay Pacific Group continues to increase its use of sustainable aviation fuel and is committed to promoting it as a mainstream alternative fuel. We commit to purchasing 1.1 million tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel over the next decade, which is expected to account for approximately 2% of Cathay's total fuel needs starting from 2023. (2) Offsetting our carbon emissions: The "Fly Greener" carbon offset programme offers passengers the opportunity to offset the carbon footprint of their air travel. All funds raised through the programme will be used directly to fund third-party emission reduction projects certified by Gold Standard. Since the programme began in 2007, more than 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide have been offset.

(3) Improving fuel efficiency to achieve emission reductions: The Cathay Pacific Group has been committed to finding ways to reduce aircraft emissions, introducing new aircraft with better fuel efficiency, and minimising engine use on the ground. It has also committed to reducing ground emissions by 32% by the end of 2030 against a 2018 baseline.