In a move toward a greener future, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), GenZero, and Singapore Airlines (SIA) have successfully wrapped up a 20-month Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) pilot program. Launched in February 2022, this initiative, in collaboration with Temasek, marks a pivotal step in Singapore’s journey to establish a long-term, sustainable SAF supply ecosystem. This effort aligns with the recommendations from the International Advisory Panel on Sustainable Air Hub to bolster Singapore’s status as a sustainable air hub.
A critical outcome of the pilot was confirming Singapore’s operational readiness to integrate SAF into the aviation sector. The process was comprehensive, covering procurement, blending of SAF with conventional jet fuel, safety certification, and the final delivery to Changi Airport. The pilot proved that SAF could be seamlessly incorporated into the airport’s existing infrastructure, negating the need for any modifications.
Innovative Financing Through SAF Credits
An innovative aspect of the pilot was the generation and sale of SAF credits, which emerged as a strategic method to finance the higher costs associated with SAF. SIA’s purchase of 1,000 tonnes of neat SAF resulted in the creation of 1,000 SAF credits. These credits, equivalent to around 2,500 tonnes of carbon dioxide reductions, were established through the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB) Book & Claim System. The system ensured that SAF credit transactions were transparent and trustworthy, setting the stage for a global SAF credit marketplace.
The pilot also tested market readiness, with approximately two-thirds of the generated credits sold. This demonstrated a clear demand for SAF credits, yet it also highlighted the need for further measures to encourage widespread adoption. Education, outreach, and support from corporate and government policies were identified as essential drivers for the future of SAF.
Voices from the Leadership
Mr. Han Kok Juan, Director-General of CAAS, emphasized the importance of SAF, stating, “SAF will be a key component in Singapore aviation’s decarbonisation efforts.” He mentioned the ongoing development of a structural offtake mechanism to bolster SAF adoption, keeping an eye on global discussions, including the upcoming International Civil Aviation Organization Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels.
Ms. Lee Wen Fen, Chief Sustainability Officer at Singapore Airlines, acknowledged the pilot as a foundational step for SAF adoption in Singapore. She reiterated SIA’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the company’s ongoing efforts to scale up SAF usage.
Mr. Frederick Teo, CEO of GenZero, highlighted the critical role of SAF in decarbonizing aviation. He praised the pilot for demonstrating the community’s capacity to mobilize the aviation ecosystem toward the operationalization and deployment of SAF. He also pointed out the pilot’s role in developing methodologies and processes for SAF credits, providing insights into corporate willingness to offset travel emissions and how to attract additional financing to support SAF adoption.
Looking Ahead
As the pilot concludes, the lessons learned will be instrumental in shaping the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint. The blueprint aims to chart a course for the adoption of SAF and ensure that Singapore remains at the forefront of sustainable aviation practices.
The SAF pilot program has not only proven Singapore’s readiness to supply and use SAF but has also laid the groundwork for a robust system that could lead to broader acceptance and use of sustainable fuels in aviation. With continued collaboration and innovation, Singapore is well on its way to achieving its vision of a sustainable air hub.
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