• Singapore’s Minister of Transport unveiled a blueprint for the country’s sustainable aviation hub, setting emission reduction targets for domestic and international aviation.
  • The plan includes mandating Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) for flights departing from Singapore, with targets of 1% by 2026 and 3-5% by 2030, alongside a SAF tax for passengers.
  • The blueprint aims for a 20% reduction in airport emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions for domestic and international aviation by 2050, excluding certain buildings.

Singapore’s Minister of Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Mr Janil Puthucheary, unveiled the blueprint for Singapore’s sustainable aviation hub at the Changi Aviation Summit on February 19, setting medium- to long-term emission reduction targets for both domestic and international aviation sectors. To achieve decarbonisation goals, all flights departing from Singapore will be required to use more environmentally friendly Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) starting from 2026, with an initial target of increasing SAF usage to 1% of total fuel, rising to 3% to 5% by 2030.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuels are essential to achieve net-zero emissions

Additionally, passengers will also be subject to a Sustainable Aviation Fuel tax when purchasing tickets. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) highlighted that the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels is a crucial pathway for decarbonising the aviation industry. Sustainable Aviation Fuels are expected to contribute approximately 65% of carbon dioxide emission reductions towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

According to the blueprint, Singapore aims to reduce emissions from airport operations by 20% from the 2019 baseline by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions for domestic and international aviation by 2050 (excluding the Changi East and Terminal 5 buildings).