Manila: The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has inked a memorandum of understanding with two partners to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is made up of renewable waste and raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. The use of SAF results in up to 80 percent reduction in carbon emission.

According to Philippines News Agency, CAAP signed a deal with Island Skies Alliance (ISA) for the development of a national SAF ecosystem through stakeholder coordination, pilot projects, capacity-building programs, carbon market initiatives, and private sector engagement. It also signed a deal with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) for technical assistance, policy development, capacity-building, and access to international expertise to support SAF development and broader aviation sustainability initiatives.

CAAP stated that the agreements are aligned with global aviation climate goals under the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation. They also support the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in advancing sustainable transportation systems. In the Philippines, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific pioneered the use of a 35 percent blended SAF in 2022. The Philippines and South Korea's flag carriers have also been exploring the integration of SAF in their flight operations to lessen their carbon footprint.