The Philippines’ largest air carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB) renews its commitment in addressing the pressing issue of decarbonization. The airline recognizes the environmental challenges that accompany air travel and is unwavering in its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. With a clear vision for sustainability and a dedication to adopting eco-friendly practices, Cebu Pacific is actively pursuing innovative solutions to minimize its impact on the environment while continuing to provide exceptional air travel experiences for its passengers.
On Wednesday, 25 October 2023, Cebu Pacific will be mounting another Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) powered flight, this time it will be the airline’s first out of Japan. Commercial flight 5J5055 will be utilizing an Airbus A321neo powered by blended SAF for its voyage from Narita (NRT), Japan to Manila (MNL), Philippines.
This commitment to decarbonization not only aligns with the airline’s corporate responsibility but also exemplifies its role as a conscientious leader in the aviation sector. The trip will reduce the carbon emissions footprint per passenger by 44%, according to the airline during a press briefing held at Narita, Japan this morning.
“Aviation only contributes between 2%-3% of total global emissions. Emissions from aviation are considered one of the hardest to abate, alongside heavy-duty transport, steel, cement, fertilizers, and petrochemicals. We continue to look at fuel efficiency measures that we can implement like converting some of our ground handling equipment to electric, making sure that we fly shorter routes in order to burn less fuel, or even deploying the Airbus NEO (new engine option aircraft) as much into our operations as possible. Due to the significance of SAF for achieving net-zero, we at Cebu Pacific have been actively integrating SAF into our operations since 2022,” according to Alexander Lao, President and Chief Commercial Officer of Cebu Pacific.
The airline aims to utilize SAF across its commercial network by 2030 by incrementally testing and incorporating the fuel type in operations, assessing the market’s acceptance and buy-in of SAF, and by establishing strategic partnerships to develop SAF supply. CEB had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Finish oil refining company Neste to explore the possibility of purchasing SAF.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that SAF will contribute 65% of emissions reduction effectively meeting the 2050 global net-zero target.
As of this writing, Cebu Pacific has a fleet of seventy (70) aircraft composed of six (06) Airbus A330, fifty (50) Airbus A321/A320, and fourteen (14) ATR 72-600. The airline flies to Tokyo via Narita from three (03) hubs in the Philippines, and also goes to Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka from Manila.
Just last Friday, the airline released a Request for Proposal (RFP) to both Airbus and Boeing for a planned purchase of US$12B worth of new aircraft. The results of the RFP will be announced sometime in the first quarter of 2024, according to Lao.