PAL is setting to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050

Philippine Airlines (PAL) plans to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in support of international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement and the Glasgow Climate Pact.

As part of a multi-year commitment to combat the global scourge of climate change, the Philippine flag carrier is investing heavily in a comprehensive carbon reduction program. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), greenhouse gas emissions from aviation could more than double to four times their 2015 levels by 2050. Aviation accounts for more than 2% of total global CO2 emissions, with international flights accounting for approximately 1.3% and domestic flights accounting for 0.7%.

“Our Net Zero initiative comes at a crucial time for the international aviation industry, which is seeking to further lessen its environmental impact in response to the global scientific community’s clarion call against irreversible climate change,” PAL President & COO Capt. Stanley K. Ng said.  

“Being the country’s flag carrier and Asia’s first airline, we recognize that our essential role in bridging our country and the rest of the world goes hand in hand with the need for climate action across international borders,” added Captain Ng. 

The approach

PAL’s Net Zero goal will be all-encompassing, spanning both flight and ground operations. PAL began this process by switching to renewable energy for its major office electricity supply and researching the potential use of sustainable aviation fuel to power its fleet of high-tech aircraft.

The airline is constantly improving operational efficiency by implementing fuel-saving initiatives such as Single Engine Taxi In (SETI) and Reduced Acceleration Altitude (RAAL), which help reduce CO2 emissions while adhering to strict safety standards. In the long run, PAL aims to develop a strong Net Zero Emissions (NZE) strategy and take concrete steps to foster a more environmentally friendly aviation environment based on scientific best practices.

To highlight PAL’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, the country’s premier airline has hired Glenn Banaguas, a U.N.-acclaimed climate scientist and science diplomat, to help guide the company’s efforts.

Who is U.N.-acclaimed climate scientist and science diplomat Glenn Banaguas

Sci. Dpl. Banaguas is the president and founder of the Institute for Environmental and Climate Change Research (ECCRI). He led the institute’s flagship program, Climate Smart Philippines: Science for Service, in 2010, which brings together scientific experts and stakeholders to address disasters and prevent losses from climate change and other hazards. Banaguas received the prestigious global UN Sasakawa Award for these initiatives, making her the first individual Filipino recipient in the award’s 35-year history. He has been named a TOFIL (The Outstanding Filipino) Laureate, the Philippines’ equivalent of the Nobel Prize. He is also the Geneva Centre for Security Policy’s Executive Fellow and the Lee Kuan Yew Senior Fellow in Public Service.

With expert guidance from Banaguas, PAL intends to conduct comprehensive assessments of its overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and progress toward full decarbonization.

Roadmap to net zero carbon emissions

In the long run, PAL aims to formulate a roadmap for its own Net Zero Emissions (NZE) strategy, as well as develop and integrate emissions scenarios projected until 2050 using internationally accepted models and relevant standards, and to create and recommend science- and evidence-based targets as well as gender-based programs for the entire PAL community.

“PAL’s commitment to climate action is a great service to the country and to the world,” Banaguas said. “More than just a rallying call, it is a reminder of our shared responsibility for, and stewardship of, the environment.”