AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla highlighted the airline’s commitment to sustainable aviation practices during the 2024 Philippine Tourism and Hotel Investment Summit.
Isla emphasized the need for airlines to reduce their carbon footprint, noting that the aviation industry contributes over 2% of global CO2 emissions. He outlined AirAsia’s Net Zero program, which aims to increase the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across the group, including the Philippines.
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to raising the sustainability bar. Among others, we will be pursuing regulatory approvals for CORSIA offset management, regional expansion of our aviation sustainability campaign, and incorporating renewable energy at ADE’s maintenance facilities. At AirAsia Foundation, we look forward to expanding our partnerships for sustainable travel,” Isla said.
The airline plans to increase SAF usage from 2% (40.62 tonnes) in 2025 to 70% (1.90 million tonnes) by 2050. However, Isla acknowledged that the Philippines is still in the early stages of developing the necessary infrastructure, policies, and technical capabilities for SAF implementation.
In the interim, AirAsia Philippines has implemented several measures to improve sustainability. These include fleet management with more efficient aircraft like the A321neo, optimization of flight operations, and encouraging passengers to bring reusable items onboard.
Isla stressed the importance of collaboration between airlines and other stakeholders in raising awareness among travelers about sustainable practices.
In related news, AirAsia Philippines welcomed the Civil Aeronautics Board’s decision to lower the Fuel Surcharge from Level 6 to Level 5 for July. This reduction will result in lower fees for both domestic and international flights.
The airline stated it remains committed to offering competitive fares through various promotions and sales events.
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