Cathay Pacific releases annual sustainable development report 2020

May 31, 2021: The Cathay Pacific Group released its 2020 sustainable development report that points to the progress made in reducing carbon footprint and measures taken to tackle operational sustainability matters.  

The Hong Kong-based airline announced its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, becoming one of the first Asian airline’s to establish a timeline for making carbon neutrality a reality.  

Mark Sutch, regional general manager - South Asia, Middle East and Africa, Cathay Pacific, said, “While we wade through the detrimental impact of the pandemic, mitigating climate change and finding solutions for sustainable aviation has also been an imminent focus for the business. We endeavour to operate sustainably and incorporate multiple social and environmentally friendly practices into all aspects of our business.”

Climate Change
The airline committed in 2020 to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, thus aligning the initiatives with both, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the Paris Agreement. While the airline strategises its fleet planning by taking delivery of ten new fuel-efficient aircrafts last year, it also continues to devise plans to meet its goals and strengthen its carbon offset solutions through its Fly Greener programme along with investing in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).  

Sustainability in Operations
Cathay Pacific aims to embed an environmentally responsible mindset in its culture and sustainable practices across operations. It has taken a holistic approach to reduce waste and consuming natural resources by exploring alternative materials. In 2020, the airline removed over 43 million pieces or 11 percent of single-use plastic items and continues to work towards its target of reducing single-use plastics usage by 50 percent from baseline by the end of 2022.

Safety
The airline continues to put safety at the forefront for its employees, customers and other stakeholders. In 2020, Cathay Pacific introduced Port Restart Process enabling the safe return of passengers and employees along with implementing a slew of Covid-related safety precautions for its passengers and people. Going forward the airline continues to focus on maintaining and updating Covid-related safety measures to protect customers and people along with implementing a stringent port restart process ensuring safety and compliance as ports reopen.

Biodiversity
The airline has implemented policies that protect against legal animal trade and serve sustainable seafood on-board. In 2020, the airline’s catering arm served over 58 tonnes of certified sustainable seafood, representing around 55 percent of the total volume of seafood purchased. Through the airline’s sustainable development cargo carriage policy, embargoes have been placed on an increasing number of animals and wildlife products to restrict their shipment opportunities and thus support movements aimed at stopping animal cruelty and biodiversity loss. Going forward, Cathay Pacific will continue to review its sustainable food policy and work with civil society to prevent illegal wildlife trades.

Conscious food distribution practices, managing infrastructure, inflight waste management, minimal on-ground and aircraft emissions, digitalising systems to go paperless, reducing on-ground engine operations and sustainable procurement are various other measures taken by the airline to fuel its vision of a greener and better tomorrow.