A number of sustainability projects have been on-going throughout the pandemic

The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group recently outlined its plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, working in line with its current strategy to introduce decarbonisation and sustainability across its operations.

The organisation – consisting of Singapore Airlines, Scoot and SIA Cargo – is set to invest in new generation aircraft, adopt low CO2 technology and source high quality carbon offsets to achieve this goal.

“We have remained focused on our sustainability goals even as we navigated the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Goh Choon Phong, CEO of Singapore Airlines. “We know that this is also an increasingly important issue to both our customers and staff.”

SIA’s aircraft fleet – consisting of Airbus’ A350-900 and A320, as well as Boeing’s 777-9 and 787 family – is reportedly up to 30% more fuel-efficient.

“Today, the most effective and direct way for an airline to materially lower carbon emissions is by operating a young fleet of aircraft. The SIA Group’s fleet has an average age of under six years, making it one of the youngest in the world,” Phong added.

Last year, the company inaugurated a meal concept for passengers that allows them to have more choice from a wider menu. The cutlery and packaging provided is all sustainable, reducing the need for single-use plastic.

Engineering improvement packages have also been orchestrated to help improve engine efficiency.

Since 2011, the carrier has been a member of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG). From 2017, it launched a series of ‘green’ flights from San Francisco to Singapore that utilised SAF and optimised air traffic management measures.

The CEO stresses that the airline will not be working alone to affirm its commitment: “We will continue to collaborate with governments, the airline industry, and partners such as aircraft manufacturers, technology providers, and fuel suppliers, both in Singapore and around the world.”