Cathay’s 2023 Sustainability Report underscores its new and ongoing commitments and progress in advancing sustainability through collaboration.
As Cathay continues to take important strides towards establishing itself as a sustainability leader, we are pleased to announce the release of our 2023 Sustainability Report, which underscores our ongoing commitments and progress in achieving our sustainability goals together with our customers, business partners, regulators, and people.
Commitment to Sustainability: A Core Principle
Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam stated, “Sustainability is inherent in Cathay’s purpose – to move people forward in life. We understand that achieving this purpose sustainably and responsibly for current and future generations requires collective efforts. By embracing the collaborative ethos of ‘Greener Together’, we aim to lead by example and reach new heights in building a more sustainable future.”
Prioritizing Climate Change and Waste Management
Climate change and materials and waste are our priority areas on the environmental front. As a pioneer of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), we continue to lead the charge in accelerating the collaboration and deployment of SAF within Asia. We are also dedicated to transitioning towards circular solutions by setting a clear roadmap for single-use plastics (SUP) and waste reduction. Meanwhile, in line with our longstanding commitment to making positive contributions to Hong Kong society, we are proud to engage in a multitude of community initiatives with our primary focus on youth development.
Key Highlights from the 2023 Report
1. Committing to Near-Term Climate Improvements
Building upon our commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, Cathay set a new near-term target to improve its carbon intensity by 12% from the 2019 level by 2030. To achieve this goal, our focus remains on accelerating SAF use, modernizing our fleet, and driving operational improvements.
2. Accelerating the Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
SAF remains the most important lever for achieving our new carbon intensity target and net-zero operations in the long run. In addition to driving further development of the SAF supply chain in the region and conducting our first overseas SAF uplift on commercial flights, we have also expanded our Corporate SAF Programme by establishing partnerships with new corporate clients and a non-governmental organization.
3. Moving Towards More Sustainable Use of Resources
Cathay Pacific set a new target to decrease passenger-facing SUP items from an average of 7.7 pieces per passenger in 2019 to 1.5 pieces by 2025. Additionally, we aim to reduce cabin waste by 30% from the 2019 baseline by 2030. These goals will be achieved by incorporating circular economy principles into our product and service design by selecting more sustainable or recycled materials upstream and channelling used items back for recycling or repurposing.
4. Revitalizing the Hong Kong Community
Cathay successfully rejuvenated the Cathay Volunteer Team and engaged in a variety of youth-centric programmes aligned with the Hong Kong SAR Government’s Strive and Rise Programme, including the popular Cathay Community Flight and Aviation Exploration Days.
Sustainability Goals: Driving Positive Change
Collaborative Efforts for a Greener Future
Our ethos of ‘Greener Together’ emphasizes the power of collective efforts in driving sustainability. By working closely with stakeholders across the industry, we aim to set new standards and lead the aviation sector towards a more sustainable future. This includes continuous investment in technology, partnerships, and innovative solutions to minimize our environmental impact.
Innovative Approaches to Reduce Carbon Footprint
Investing in Fleet Modernization and SAF
Our commitment to modernizing our fleet and integrating SAF is a testament to our dedication to reducing our carbon footprint. By investing in the latest aircraft technologies and increasing SAF usage, we aim to achieve significant reductions in carbon emissions.
Pioneering Sustainable Practices in Aviation
Circular Economy in Aviation
Implementing circular economy principles is a cornerstone of our sustainability strategy. By designing products and services that prioritize sustainability and recycling, we are minimizing waste and promoting resource efficiency. This approach not only reduces our environmental impact but also sets a benchmark for the industry.
Community Engagement and Youth Development
Fostering the Next Generation
Our focus on youth development through community engagement is integral to our sustainability mission. By participating in and supporting various youth-centric initiatives, we are investing in the future leaders of our community. Programs such as the Cathay Community Flight and Aviation Exploration Days offer valuable opportunities for young people to learn and grow, fostering a sense of responsibility and environmental stewardship.
Conclusion: Leading by Example
Cathay’s 2023 Sustainability Report highlights our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our progress in achieving our goals. By setting ambitious targets and embracing innovative solutions, we are not only reducing our environmental impact but also inspiring others to join us in building a sustainable future. As we continue on this path, we remain dedicated to working collaboratively with our stakeholders to achieve our shared sustainability objectives.
Read more atTravelMail| Follow us onFacebook|Twitter| andInstagramfor on-the-go news
