MANILA – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines is exploring a collaboration with Boeing to advance the production and utilization of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This initiative was highlighted during the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Forum held at the Westin Manila in Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City.
The DOTr emphasized that the Philippines has ample agricultural waste that could be transformed into SAF, potentially meeting domestic needs and even allowing for exports. The forum served as a platform to showcase the country’s commitment to sustainability in the aviation sector, aiming to position the Philippines as a frontrunner in SAF production and application.
The partnership is expected to foster innovation, create jobs, and enhance expertise in the field. Moreover, the adoption of SAF is anticipated to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of the aviation industry, with potential reductions of up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel, as noted by industry experts.
Penny Burtt, President of Boeing Southeast Asia, expressed the company’s dedication to working with the DOTr and other industry partners to expedite the decarbonization of aviation and enhance local capacity. The forum also discussed essential elements for successful SAF implementation, such as a strategic plan for feedstock availability, financial and policy support, and workforce training.
A report from the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials indicates that Southeast Asia’s feedstocks could meet about 12% of the global SAF demand, contributing to the commercial aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The Philippines, along with Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia, collectively hold around 90% of the region’s capacity for SAF supply.