In an effort to underscore its commitment to eco-efficiency, Cathay Pacific plans to use a blend of alternative jet fuel when it flies its new fleet of Airbus A350-1000 aircraft home to Hong Kong. Twenty are on order for delivery over the next four years, with the first scheduled to depart Airbus headquarters on June 19; seven more will deliver through 2018.

Biofuel can reduce life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 per cent. Partners Airbus and Total also support the delivery flights using blended biofuel. Cathay Pacific operated the longest biofuel delivery flight at the time when it took delivery of its first A350-900 in 2016; 22 have been delivered with a 10 per cent blend of alternative jet fuel in the tanks.

“Through the use of the A350-1000 and low carbon fuels, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to support the aviation section and our customers to reduce their carbon footprint, “ said Frederic Evchenne, head of new energies, Airbus.

Cathay Pacific was the world’s first airline to invest in an aviation biofuel company when it became an equity investor in U.S.-based Fulcrum BioEnergy Inc., focused on turning municipal solid waste into sustainable aviation fuel.

“We have been at the forefront of many initiatives to reduce the impact of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Rupert Hogg, chief executive officer, Cathay Pacific. “Achieving carbon neutral growth from 2020 is an important target that we take seriously and using alternative fuels is one of the key strategies in helping us to do so. We will continue to support the development and usage of biofuel to reach mainstream commercial viability.”