• The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in collaboration with Airbus is undertaking a feasibility study aimed at creating a sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem in the Philippines.
• Initiated on October 3 during the 2024 Aviation Summit, the study will encompass an analysis of macroeconomic data specific to the country, an evaluation of SAF feedstocks and production methods, an assessment of relevant support structures, financing mechanisms, and policies, in addition to formulating an action plan.
• Among other strategies to achieve the aviation sector’s objective of net zero carbon emissions, initiatives include fleet modernization, innovative technologies, enhancement of operations, and carbon offset measures.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the aerospace manufacturer Airbus are engaged in a feasibility study focused on establishing the Philippines’ sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) ecosystem.
Launched on October 3 at the 2024 Aviation Summit, the feasibility study will involve analyzing country-specific macroeconomic data, assessing SAF feedstocks and production methods, evaluating necessary implementation support, funding, and policies, as well as developing an action plan.
SAF represents an environmentally friendly and chemically comparable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-based aviation fuel. On average, SAF has the potential to lower carbon dioxide emissions by 80% when contrasted with standard jet fuel.
“We appreciate the proactive involvement of Airbus, which is playing a significant role in completing the SAF Philippines feasibility study that explores various feedstocks,” said DOTr undersecretary for airports and aviation Roberto Lim in his address at the summit.
Given that the Philippines is one of the nations most susceptible to the impacts of climate change, Lim emphasized the necessity to “intensify all our efforts” in formulating measures to mitigate this challenge as the aviation sector strives for net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The feasibility study will adhere to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assistance, Capacity-building, and Training for Sustainable Aviation Fuels guidelines for feasibility assessments on SAF, according to a DOTr statement.
The initiation of the feasibility study follows the formation of a SAF Committee as part of the National Biofuels Board (NBB) led by the Department of Energy, which oversees the development of the country’s SAF roadmap. DOTr is a member of the NBB.
“Southeast Asia has the potential to emerge as a leading SAF producer, and the Philippines is positioned at its heart,” Lim remarked.
“We have the necessary feedstock available in the Philippines, and with the right technology, we can better manage the economics of SAF,” Lim further stated.
Lim observed that the adoption of SAF is merely one of the strategies aimed at achieving net zero carbon emissions. Other strategies include fleet renewal, disruptive technologies, operational improvements, and carbon offsetting. Lim also mentioned that they are “implementing carbon sequestration to generate CORSIA-eligible carbon credits, particularly for airlines required to cut carbon emissions starting in 2027.”
Carbon Offsetting And Reduction Scheme For International Aviation
CORSIA refers to the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, which provides a “harmonized approach” to mitigate emissions from international aviation. It permits the use of SAF derived from biomass or waste resources to lessen the carbon offsetting obligations of airlines.
According to CORSIA’s schedule, member states of ICAO, including the Philippines, are required to meet the carbon dioxide offsetting standards by the years 2024 to 2026. The compliance obligation is established for the period of 2027 to 2035.
Airbus announced that all of its aircraft will have the capability to operate with a maximum blend of 50% SAF and traditional fuel, and by the year 2030, all their aircraft and helicopters will be able to fly using up to 100% SAF.
In 2023, Airbus utilized over 11 million liters of SAF in its operations, doubling the amount used in 2022. This surpassed its initial goal for 2023, which aimed for 10% of the total fuel consumption across Airbus’ divisions, by over a million liters and made up 2% of the global SAF production for the year. This accomplishment played a significant role in reducing CO2 emissions by 23,587 tons.
Airbus commands a notable share of the market in both the narrowbody and widebody aircraft categories within the country, catering to airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Air Asia Philippines.
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