Airports Council International (ACI) Asia-Pacific and Middle East director general Stefano Baronci has articulated the challenges and possibilities that airports face in transitioning to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in an effort to meet net zero emissions by 2050. During an interview in Suva, Baronci emphasized the necessity of collaboration among all aviation stakeholders to ensure sustainable growth.
Baronci pointed out that airports are at the forefront of this commitment to net zero emissions, a goal that has been embraced by other members of the aviation community as formalized in the latest International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) assembly. He highlighted steps that airports can take, such as electrifying ground services and utilizing hybrid or electric vehicles. The adoption of renewable energy sources, like solar panels, is also a critical aspect of this shift.
However, Baronci explained that transitioning to SAF represents a significant challenge due to its current limited availability and high costs. He noted that establishing a robust dialogue with airlines is crucial for long-term emission reduction planning, especially as SAF becomes more viable. The aspiration is to achieve 5% SAF usage by 2030, a target agreed upon at the recent COP conference.
Baronci insists that while airports can only do so much alone, creating the right environment and infrastructure is essential as SAF production ramps up. He expressed optimism that, as supply increases, costs will decrease and the transition to SAF will become economically sustainable. To facilitate this change, he called for coordinated efforts at the policy level and urged stakeholders to avoid working in isolation.
Fiji’s aviation sector has also been focusing on enhancing sustainability, as echoed by previous announcements about the country’s commitment to advanced technologies like SAF. With its regional airline partnerships looking into local SAF production using agricultural resources, the momentum towards sustainable aviation is growing. Initiatives from Fiji Airways to utilize SAF, along with infrastructure enhancements at airports, showcase a concerted effort towards a greener future.
The ongoing dialogues among stakeholders signify a hopeful outlook towards achieving substantial progress in sustainability within the aviation sector, presenting not only a challenge but also an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and economic growth in the Pacific region.
As Fiji and its aviation sector move forward, their efforts may serve as a model for other small island nations, reflecting a dedication to improving environmental health while simultaneously fostering local development. This proactive approach creates a brighter vision for the future of aviation in the region.
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