Partnership overview
Cathay Group has signed a multi year agreement with Neste that secures a steady supply of Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel for operations in Europe, the United States and Asia Pacific. Blended with conventional jet fuel, the product is already powering Cathay Pacific flights departing Amsterdam and Los Angeles, while supporting Air Hong Kong cargo services from Singapore Changi. The arrangement reinforces Cathay ambition to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
How the logistics work
SAF produced at Neste facilities is shipped to regional terminals, blended under international standards, then certified before uplift. This end to end model removes complexity for airlines and lets Cathay purchase carbon savings outright, without developing bespoke infrastructure at every airport.
Impact beyond numbers
Although initial volumes represent a small portion of overall demand, the move sends a signal to refiners and financiers that consistent offtake exists across three continents. That confidence can unlock larger batch production and lower unit costs faster than isolated national programmes. Other carriers can purchase remaining blend capacity, further multiplying environmental impact.
Non-obvious insight
Cargo operations often run higher load factors than passenger flights, meaning every tonne of SAF used by Air Hong Kong reduces more emissions per flight hour. By targeting freighter routes early, Cathay gains disproportionate climate dividends while maintaining supply chain reliability.
Next steps
Cathay is inviting corporate customers to join its Fly Greener scheme, allowing firms to purchase SAF in proportion to their travel footprints. Combined with fleet renewal and operational efficiencies, the airline expects to cut lifecycle emissions intensity by over twenty percent within this decade.
Conclusion
The Cathay Neste alliance exemplifies how coordinated procurement can speed up aviation decarbonisation well before novel aircraft technologies arrive. By demonstrating practical supply chains today, the partners are laying foundations for a wider global SAF market.