The sustainability divisions of AirAsia and Airbus recently signed a new memorandum of understanding to collaborate on research regarding the decentralised production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) using alternative feedstock and technologies in Southeast Asia. 

The research-based partnership aims to identify opportunities to support the onward commercial development of promising projects to expand SAF supply in the region. 

The MoU also set forth conditions to jointly investigate advanced measures to improve air traffic management (ATM) to reduce CO2 emissions, leveraging AirAsia’s industry-leading fuel efficiency programme and Airbus’ pioneering role as a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. 

The organisations will be identifying applicable solutions developed as part of the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) Project* and assessing their suitability for adaptation to ASEAN skies. 

Partners in eco-friendlier operations

Capital A chief sustainability officer Yap Mun Ching said: “AirAsia will be a key partner of Airbus in ASEAN to test the feasibility of SAF output developed using alternative feedstock and technologies, as well as ground-breaking ATM initiatives supported by Airbus’ innovation teams. As a regional carrier based in five ASEAN countries, we bring unparalleled operational experience in the region to complement Airbus’ technological expertise. The partnership establishes a foundation upon which to build joint projects at multiple levels that address the broad needs of improving the environmental performance of the sector.”

Yap said the partnership directly addresses the prerogative for the aviation sector to invest in and scale up in-sector solutions that are critical to decarbonising the industry. Other than improvements in efficiency and adoption of SAF, she said a key pathway for AirAsia to achieve net zero by 2050 is by upgrading the airline’s fleet to the most fuel-efficient models. 

Julie Kitcher, Airbus chief sustainability officer, added: “Airbus is contributing to the decarbonisation of aviation around the world. That means working with our customers in every region, looking at all solutions available today and collaborating on research for future technologies. AirAsia is a key partner in the ASEAN region and we are excited to work with the airline to explore operational efficiency levers, including air traffic management and scaling up the production and distribution of SAF.”

In June, AirAsia took delivery of its first brand new A321neo aircraft since the Covid-19 pandemic. The airline will receive five more aircraft in the fourth quarter of the year for entry into service in Malaysia and Thailand. All Airbus aircraft deliveries to AirAsia starting 2024 will be fulfilled using a fuel blend inclusive of 5 percent SAF.