Asian Sky Quarterly 2021 Q3

COMMENTARY: FLYING GREENER WITH SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUEL
Despite SAF’s overall positive impact on the environment, one of the
major downsides is its higher cost. According to estimates, it costs
two to three times more than traditional jet fuel, whilst making up
less than 1% of fuel available in the market. This is mainly a result of
small production runs, as well as the current availability of sustainable
feedstocks coupled with the development of production technology.
Alex agrees, stating that “SAF is still a relatively new technology
at the moment.” However, he is still optimistic, noting “Once it has
been approved and supported by OEMs and civil aviation authorities,
we believe that more and more companies will start using it [SAF].”
He hopes that further production facilities being built and more operators
choosing to use sustainable fuels will help to bring the overall
cost of SAFs down.
When asked if there were any other solutions to make aviation greener,
Alex mentions there are advanced flight plans from operators and
upgraded aircraft designs from OEMs that could help. Charles on the
other hand elaborates, “Gulfstream continues to focus on several key
initiatives. We invest in new aircraft technologies and use state-ofthe-art
engines that reduce emissions, fuel consumption, and noise.”
He further adds, “Gulfstream has made significant investments in
precision manufacturing and advanced technologies that have led
to the introduction of six high-technology aircraft in the past eight
years.” These aircraft include the G280, G500, G600, G650, G650ER,
and G700. Aside from this, Gulfstream also encourages customers
to use green flying methods and even offers operators a carbon offset
program. Sino Jet, Asia’s biggest private jet operator, believes airframe
and engine improvements, as well as new air traffic control
technology, can also help reduce GHGs.
Both Alex and Charles remain positive about the future of SAF and
the aviation industry. Alex believes “SAF will have great success in
the future once it is supported by governments and OEMs. With technological
improvements, the percentage of SAF compared to traditional
jet fuel may increase.” Charles agrees, stating “We expect SAF
to be made from a wider variety of sustainable feedstocks and, with
a true demand signal, the volumes will increase to better meet that
demand.”For Sino Jet, the company emphasizes how governments
and aviation authorities need to help promote sustainability and SAF,
as well as establish more business networking opportunities for suppliers
and consumers of SAF, such as the Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Symposium (SAFS). Overall, as Charles puts it, “the goal is to make
SAF the norm, rather than novel.”
44 | ASIAN SKY QUARTERLY — THIRD QUARTER 2021