MAS' first SAF-powered passenger flight takes off for Singapore

SEPANG: Powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Malaysia Airlines flight MH603 to Singapore has successfully taken off from Kuala Lumpur International Airport at noon Sunday (June 5).

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) chief sustainability officer Phillip See said the national carrier was committed to provide cleaner and viable energy options for its regular flights through SAF by 2025.

“With the commencement of our first passenger flight using SAF, we encourage passengers to join us on this journey as we take the necessary steps to minimise our environmental impact and plan for more flights powered by SAF; for the betterment of the industry, nation, and future of our planet.

“Moving forward, we will look to make SAF the cleaner and more viable energy option for our regular flights by 2025,” he said.

SAF was used for MAG's cargo flight in December last year, six months after the launch of the company’s sustainability blueprint, See added.

The fuel was supplied by Petronas’ Europe-based marketing and trading arm, Petco Trading (UK), while Petronas Dagangan Bhd (PDB) was in charge of product handling and refuelling.

The new fuel technology is produced by world’s largest SAF producer Neste and uses 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials such as animal fat waste.

PDB managing director and chief executive officer Azrul Osman Rani said the supply of SAF at the airport was a natural progression for Petronas as it was aligned with the company’s commitment towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“In line with Petronas’ commitment towards achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050, exploring the supply of SAF at KLIA is a natural progression for us with aviation fuel being one of our key products,”said See.

“With two proven flights, PDB has demonstrated its capabilities and infrastructure readiness in supplying SAF in KLIA from now onwards to support the aviation industry’s sustainability agenda,” he added.