Singapore has announced its readiness to transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) following the completion of a comprehensive 20-month pilot program. This initiative was conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), Singapore Airlines (SIA), and GenZero, a Temasek-backed investment platform.

The pilot validated the entire operational process necessary for supplying sustainable aviation fuel to Changi Airport. It included procurement, blending of neat sustainable aviation fuel with conventional jet fuel, as well as safety certification and delivery procedures. According to the involved parties, the pilot confirmed that SAF could be deployed safely at Changi Airport without requiring any modifications to existing airport infrastructure.

During the pilot, SIA purchased 1,000 tonnes of neat sustainable aviation fuel, generating an equivalent number of sustainable aviation fuel credits. This transaction is estimated to correspond to a reduction of approximately 2,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions. About two-thirds of the credits were sold during the pilot, indicating a healthy demand for SAF credits in the marketplace.

Despite the operational readiness demonstrated through the pilot, CAAS emphasized the need for more robust support mechanisms to encourage widespread adoption of sustainable aviation fuel. This includes enhancing education and outreach efforts, as well as developing supportive policies at both corporate and government levels.

Han Kok Juan, the director-general of CAAS, underscored the crucial role that sustainable aviation fuel plays in the aviation industry’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To facilitate this transition, CAAS is in the process of developing a “structural offtake mechanism” aimed at bolstering the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.

The successful pilot program sets the groundwork for establishing a reliable and trustworthy global marketplace for SAF credits, paving the way for Singapore to solidify its position as a sustainable air hub. Discussions surrounding sustainable aviation fuel will also be on the agenda at the upcoming third International Civil Aviation Organization Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels.