Singapore Unveils Comprehensive Blueprint for Net Zero Aviation Emissions by 2050

Today, Singapore has taken a significant leap towards environmental sustainability in aviation with the launch of the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint. Announced by Mr. Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, at the Changi Aviation Summit, this ambitious plan outlines Singapore’s roadmap to decarbonize its aviation sector. Crafted by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) in collaboration with industry stakeholders, the Blueprint aligns with the country’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future and will be submitted to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) as Singapore’s State Action Plan.

The Blueprint aims for a 20% reduction in domestic aviation emissions from 2019 levels by 2030 and sets the ambitious goal of achieving net zero domestic and international aviation emissions by 2050. To realize these targets, 12 initiatives have been laid out across airport, airline, and air traffic management (ATM) sectors, supported by five key enablers designed to facilitate effective implementation.

Airport Domain Initiatives: CAAS is set to implement five strategies focused on minimizing energy use and maximizing renewable energy deployment at Changi and Seletar Airports. This includes increasing solar power capacity, promoting the use of cleaner energy for airside vehicles, and exploring the feasibility of an on-site waste-to-energy facility. A notable initiative for 2024 is the trial use of renewable diesel in airside vehicles, assessing its viability as a sustainable energy source.

Airline Domain Initiatives: Central to decarbonizing airline operations is the establishment of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) ecosystem. From 2026, flights departing Singapore will be mandated to utilize SAF, supported by the introduction of a SAF levy to encourage investment in SAF production. The initial target is a 1% SAF usage, with aspirations to increase this to 3-5% by 2030, contingent on global developments and SAF availability. This SAF mandate is projected to contribute approximately 65% of the emission reductions needed to achieve the 2050 net zero goal.

ATM Domain Initiatives: CAAS plans to enhance ATM operations to improve efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, with a goal of achieving a 10% reduction in additional fuel burn and emissions. Efforts will focus on advanced demand-capacity balancing, performance-based navigation enhancements, and gate-to-gate trajectory optimization.

Supporting Enablers: The Blueprint’s success hinges on five enablers: policy and regulation, industry development, infrastructure planning and provision, workforce transformation, and international partnerships. Noteworthy is the S$50 million Aviation Sustainability Programme aimed at bolstering sustainable aviation projects, alongside efforts to enhance sustainability capabilities within the workforce and the establishment of the Asia-Pacific sustainable aviation centre.