Asia Pacific sustainability initiatives are finally taking off, but will they be enough?

Aviation's sustainability transition in the Asia Pacific seems to be making headway - both institutional and industrial. After years of lobbying, more favourable policy environments are emerging across the region. These are increasingly being met by much-needed investments from the public and private sectors, particularly in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector. In the meantime, airlines continue to update their fleets and seek out new technologies that will allow them to reduce emissions and improve the efficiency of their businesses.

• What is the role of regional governments in supporting airlines in achieving their sustainability objectives? Are SAF targets and usage mandates - which are already being introduced or contemplated in Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand - realistic and effective?

• Is there a risk that the Asia Pacific won't be able to meet its own SAF production need? Facilities in South Korea and mainland China are due to be joined by new plants in Japan, Thailand, Singapore, Taiwan and Malaysia this year, but is this enough to even meet current demand?

• Is there space, or political will, for a more collective approach to aviation sustainability in the Asia Pacific? Can regional economic groupings like ASEAN work to support frameworks that will accelerate adoption of sustainable policies and generate greater momentum?

• With business travel still on a rapid growth trajectory, do corporate customers have a role to play in supporting the sustainability of regional airlines?