Key Takeaways
• Cathay Pacific and Sinopec partnered on May 30, 2025, to develop and supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
• Cathay Pacific aims to use SAF for 10% of fuel by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
• Four SAF plants in China will start between 2024 and 2026, boosting green fuel supply regionally.
On May 30, 2025, Cathay Pacific and Sinopec announced a major partnership to develop and supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for Cathay Pacific’s operations. This agreement, signed in Hong Kong, marks a turning point for the aviation industry in Asia. It brings together one of the region’s top airlines and China’s largest oil refiner to tackle one of aviation’s biggest challenges: cutting carbon emissions.
This move is not just about business. It’s about the future of flying, the environment, and how countries like China 🇨🇳 and cities like Hong Kong can lead the way in green aviation. The partnership also sends a strong message to governments, companies, and travelers that the industry is serious about fighting climate change.
Let’s break down what this partnership means, how it works, and why it matters for everyone involved—from airlines and energy companies to governments, businesses, and travelers.
What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Why Does It Matter?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of jet fuel made from renewable sources, such as used cooking oil, plant oils, or even waste. Unlike regular jet fuel, which comes from crude oil, SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle. This means less pollution from airplanes, which is important because aviation is a major source of carbon emissions worldwide.
SAF is especially important for long flights, where using electric planes or other green technologies is not possible yet. By switching to SAF, airlines can keep flying while helping the planet.
The Cathay Pacific and Sinopec Partnership: Key Details
Who:
– Cathay Pacific: A leading airline based in Hong Kong, known for its global network and focus on sustainability.
– Sinopec: China’s largest oil refiner and a major energy company, with expertise in producing fuels and chemicals.
What:
– A formal agreement to develop, produce, and supply SAF for Cathay Pacific’s flights.
When:
– Announced on May 30, 2025.
Where:
– The partnership is based in Hong Kong and China 🇨🇳, with plans to supply SAF to Cathay Pacific’s operations, including at Hong Kong International Airport.
Why:
– To help Cathay Pacific reach its goal of using SAF for 10% of its total fuel by 2030 and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
– To support China’s national goals for green aviation and lower carbon emissions.
How:
– Sinopec will use its refining and biofuel skills to make SAF from renewable and waste materials.
– The SAF will be blended with regular jet fuel (for example, 40% SAF and 60% Jet A-1) to meet international standards.
– Cathay Pacific will use this fuel for its flights, helping to cut emissions.
Why Is This Partnership Important?
This is the first time a major Asian airline and a leading Chinese energy company have teamed up to focus on SAF at this scale. It’s a big step for several reasons:
- Securing SAF Supply: Cathay Pacific needs a steady, reliable source of SAF to meet its climate goals. Working with Sinopec helps make sure the airline can get enough SAF in the coming years.
- Boosting Local Production: By making SAF in China 🇨🇳, the partnership helps build a local supply chain. This means less dependence on imported fuel and more jobs and investment in the region.
- Setting an Example: Other airlines and energy companies in Asia may follow this model, speeding up the shift to greener flying across the region.
- Supporting Policy Goals: The partnership fits with China’s and Hong Kong’s plans to become leaders in green aviation and meet international climate targets.
How Will the Partnership Work in Practice?
1. SAF Production
Sinopec will produce SAF using renewable materials, such as:
- Used cooking oil
- Plant-based oils
- Agricultural waste
The production will follow strict international certification standards, like the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED), Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB), and International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC). This ensures the SAF is truly sustainable and meets global quality rules.
2. SAF Supply Chain
Once produced, the SAF will be blended with regular jet fuel. For example, Cathay Pacific recently signed a deal to buy 38 million US gallons of blended SAF (40% SAF, 60% Jet A-1) from Aemetis, to be delivered over seven years starting in 2025. This alone is expected to cut over 80,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
The blended fuel will be delivered to Cathay Pacific’s operations, including at Hong Kong International Airport, making it easy for the airline to use SAF on its regular flights.
3. Corporate SAF Programme
Cathay Pacific also runs a Corporate SAF Programme, which lets business customers help pay for SAF. In return, these companies get certificates showing how much they have helped cut emissions (known as Scope 3 emissions, which are emissions from a company’s supply chain). This is important for businesses that want to show they are serious about climate action.
In 2024 alone, over 6,050 metric tonnes of SAF were committed through this program.
4. Certification and Reporting
All SAF used by Cathay Pacific will be certified by independent bodies. The airline will keep detailed records of how much SAF is used and how much emissions are reduced. This helps with government reporting and shows customers and investors that the airline is meeting its promises.
The Numbers: How Big Is the Impact?
- SAF Usage Target: Cathay Pacific aims to use SAF for 10% of its total fuel by 2030.
- Recent Procurement: 38 million US gallons of blended SAF (40% SAF, 60% Jet A-1) from Aemetis, delivered over seven years from 2025.
- Corporate SAF Programme: Over 6,050 metric tonnes of SAF committed for use in 2024.
- SAF Plants: Four new SAF plants in China 🇨🇳, each producing 50,000–100,000 tonnes per year, are expected to start operating between 2024 and 2026.
- Emissions Reduction: SAF can cut up to 80% of carbon emissions compared to regular jet fuel.
Who Are the Key Stakeholders?
Cathay Pacific
Led by CEO Ronald Lam and the sustainability team, Cathay Pacific is pushing hard to lead the way in green aviation. The airline has a long history of investing in SAF, starting with Fulcrum BioEnergy in 2014 and launching Asia’s first major Corporate SAF Programme in 2022.
Sinopec
As China’s largest oil refiner, Sinopec brings the technical know-how and production power needed to make SAF at scale. This partnership helps Sinopec move into the green energy sector and supports China’s climate goals.
Other Partners
- HSBC Hong Kong: Supports SAF financing and investment.
- EcoCeres: Works on waste-to-fuel technology.
- SPIC: Another energy partner involved in SAF projects.
Corporate Customers
Businesses that fly with Cathay Pacific can join the Corporate SAF Programme, helping to fund SAF and reduce their own supply chain emissions.
Governments and Regulators
The Hong Kong government and Chinese authorities are encouraged to create clear policies and incentives for SAF, making it easier for airlines and energy companies to invest in green aviation.
What Are the Policy Implications?
This partnership is more than just a business deal. It has big policy effects:
- For Cathay Pacific: Secures a reliable SAF supply, helps meet international sustainability standards, and keeps the airline competitive.
- For Sinopec: Positions the company as a leader in China’s new SAF market and supports its own green goals.
- For Hong Kong and Asia: Helps build a local SAF industry, attracts investment, and strengthens Hong Kong’s role as a green aviation hub.
Ronald Lam, CEO of Cathay Pacific, has called for a clear SAF policy in Hong Kong to support the city’s competitiveness and help the aviation sector shift to low-carbon energy.
Industry Analysis: Why Is SAF the Best Solution Right Now?
Experts agree that SAF is the most practical way to cut aviation emissions in the near future. Electric planes and hydrogen fuel are still years away from being widely used, especially for long flights. SAF can be used in today’s planes with little or no changes, making it a “drop-in” solution.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Cathay Pacific and Sinopec partnership is seen as a model for other airlines and energy companies in Asia. It addresses the main challenge of SAF: not enough supply. By working together, they can make more SAF available, lower costs, and encourage others to invest.
Historical Context: Cathay Pacific’s SAF Journey
Cathay Pacific has been a leader in SAF for over a decade:
- 2014: First Asian airline to invest in Fulcrum BioEnergy, committing to buy 1.1 million tonnes of SAF over 10 years.
- 2022: Launched the Corporate SAF Programme, the first of its kind in Asia.
- 2024–2025: Signed major SAF supply deals with Aemetis, SPIC, EcoCeres, and now Sinopec.
- 2024–2026: Four new SAF plants in China 🇨🇳 are set to open, boosting local supply.
What’s Next? The Future of SAF in Asia
SAF Plant Expansion
Four new SAF plants in China 🇨🇳, each with a capacity of 50,000–100,000 tonnes per year, are expected to start operating between 2024 and 2026. This will greatly increase the amount of SAF available in the region.
Policy Development
Industry leaders expect the Hong Kong government and Chinese authorities to introduce new policies to support SAF. This could include tax breaks, funding for research, or rules that require airlines to use a certain amount of SAF.
Scaling Up
Cathay Pacific plans to keep increasing its SAF usage. Since launching its Corporate SAF Programme in 2022, the airline has increased SAF use 22 times over. The goal is to keep this momentum going and reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
What Does This Mean for Travelers and Businesses?
- Travelers: Can feel better knowing their flights are helping to cut emissions. As more airlines use SAF, flying will become greener.
- Businesses: Can join the Corporate SAF Programme to reduce their own carbon footprint and show climate leadership.
- Airlines and Energy Companies: Can look to the Cathay Pacific–Sinopec model as a way to work together for a greener future.
- Governments: Are encouraged to create clear, supportive policies to help the SAF industry grow.
How to Get Involved or Learn More
- Cathay Pacific Sustainability Initiatives: Visit Cathay Pacific’s sustainability website for more on their climate action and SAF programs.
- Corporate SAF Programme: Businesses can learn how to join and support SAF adoption through Cathay Pacific’s Corporate SAF Programme.
- Sinopec: For updates on SAF projects, visit the Sinopec official website.
- Official Government Information: For broader context on sustainable aviation and climate policy, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) provides authoritative resources.
Key Takeaways
- Cathay Pacific and Sinopec’s partnership is a major step for green aviation in Asia.
- The goal is to use SAF for 10% of Cathay Pacific’s fuel by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
- Four new SAF plants in China 🇨🇳 will boost supply between 2024 and 2026.
- The partnership sets an example for others and encourages governments to support SAF.
- Travelers, businesses, and the environment all stand to benefit from this shift.
By working together, Cathay Pacific, Sinopec, and their partners are showing that a cleaner, greener future for aviation is possible—and that Asia can lead the way.
Learn Today
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) → Renewable jet fuel reducing carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.
Jet A-1 → A common type of kerosene-based aviation fuel used worldwide for commercial aircraft operations.
Scope 3 Emissions → Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from a company’s supply chain and business activities.
Certification Standards → International rules ensuring SAF meets sustainability and safety requirements, including EU RED and ISCC.
Net-zero Emissions → Achieving balance by reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions to effectively zero impact.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cathay Pacific and Sinopec’s 2025 partnership advances sustainable aviation in Asia by developing SAF, reducing emissions, and shaping green policies to achieve net-zero carbon by 2050 while expanding local SAF production facilities.
— By VisaVerge.com
