Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East director general Stefano Baronci has discussed the significant challenges and opportunities that airports encounter in their transition to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), emphasizing the importance of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. In a recent interview in Suva, Baronci underscored the need for collaboration among all aviation stakeholders to enable sustainable growth in the sector.
Baronci noted that airports are pivotal in the commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, a goal acknowledged by colleagues in the aviation community and formalized during the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assembly. He outlined several initiatives airports can pursue, including the electrification of ground services and the adoption of hybrid or electric vehicles. Furthermore, integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar power, is essential for this transition.
Nonetheless, Baronci highlighted that the shift to SAF is challenged by its current limited availability and high production costs. He emphasized the importance of engaging in robust dialogues with airlines to ensure effective long-term planning for emission reductions, particularly as SAF becomes more accessible. A target of 5% SAF usage by 2030 was established during the recent COP conference as a meaningful step forward.
While Baronci acknowledged that airports alone cannot facilitate this change, he stressed the significance of creating the necessary environment and infrastructure as SAF production scales up. He expressed optimism that as the supply chain develops and costs decrease, the transition to SAF will become economically viable. He urged stakeholders to coordinate efforts at the policy level to avoid working in isolation.
Fiji’s aviation sector is also stepping up its commitment to sustainability, aligning with past announcements regarding advanced technologies like SAF. Notably, regional airline partnerships are exploring local SAF production using agricultural resources, showcasing a collective push toward a sustainable aviation future. Efforts by Fiji Airways to implement SAF, alongside infrastructure upgrades at airports, reflect a broader commitment to environmental responsibility.
The ongoing collaborations among stakeholders point toward a promising trajectory for sustainability in the aviation sector, representing not just a challenge but also an opportunity for innovation, teamwork, and economic development in the Pacific region. As Fiji advances its initiatives, it may set an example for other small island nations, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing environmental health while promoting local growth, thereby fostering a positive outlook for the future of aviation.
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