Flying down the eco-friendly circuit once again, the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has vowed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Think investments in newer technologies, increasing fuel efficiency, carbon offsetting, and more. By Bayar Jain
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In an issued statement, the Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group announced its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Complete with investments in new-generation aircraft, achieving higher operational efficiency, adopting low-carbon technology, and sourcing for high-quality carbon offsets, this move aims to reinforce the island nation’s flag carrier’s strategy of working greener. For this, a collaborative effort between the governments, the airline industry, and partners such as aircraft manufacturers, technology providers, and fuel suppliers is already underway.
To set in motion this initiative, SIA Group has kickstarted many sustainable projects. Take the Singaporean office buildings, for instance. The group has installed solar panels strong enough to generate 18 per cent of the total electricity demand and power 2,300 four-room apartments in Singapore for a year.
With regards to in-flight services, a new regional Economy Class meal concept has been unveiled. These new meal boxes will feature sustainable tableware like paper packaging and bamboo cutlery; reduce the packaging’s weight by half, in turn reducing overall fuel consumption; and rely on the use of an eco-digestor to convert residual foods to energy pellets, which can later be used to replace fossil fuels and coal.
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However, the group understands that relying on newer technology is also an important means to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. “The SIA Group’s fleet has an average age of under six years, making it one of the youngest in the world. Over the last year, we have retired 45 older aircraft. We will be gradually replacing them with new-generation aircraft that are up to 30 per cent more fuel-efficient, and will substantially lower our emissions in the coming years,” says Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines. Going forward, the group has placed an order for new-generation models such as Airbus’ A350-900 and A320neo Family; and Boeing’s 777-9, 787 Family, and 737-8 Max. These aircraft are up to 30 per cent more fuel-efficient and have reduced carbon emissions compared to older models, states the release.
To ensure fuel efficiency, the team has also invested in engineering-improvement packages for airframes, and engines which help reduce drag and improve engine efficiency. The airline aims to improve fuel productivity by reducing fuel usage through aircraft weight management, and optimisation of flight routes; innovate in technology and data analytics, and engage with research institutions to explore more ideas.
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Carbon offsetting is also on the cards of Singapore Airline’s journey towards net-zero carbon emissions. Not only is the SIA Group already a participant in the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA)—which works towards capping the industry’s growth in carbon emissions—they are also exploring more partnerships to source high-quality carbon offsets.
Environmental consciousness, however, is not a new domain for Singapore Airlines. As per the statement, SIA has been an active member of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG) since 2011. Six years later, in 2017, SIA launched a series of green package flights from San Francisco to Singapore that incorporated sustainable aviation fuels, fuel-efficient aircraft and optimised air traffic management measures. Last year, SIA worked with Stockholm’s Swedavia Airport to uplift sustainable aviation fuels on flights departing from the city, which in turn helped the airline’s understanding of the logistics and procurement of renewable fuels.
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