SEPANG: There are many biomass sources in Malaysia which can be explored for use as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
The Transport Minister said although the cost of SAF was three times higher than conventional jet fuel, it was something worth exploring.
“We know that conventional jet fuels will run out one day and when this situation becomes a reality, we will need a solution.
“That is why we began with the partial inclusion of cooking oil as part of the fuel source for a Malaysia Airlines flight last month and this is a very good start.
“A global discussion is also being held to reduce the cost of SAF collectively,” he told a press conference after launching the rebranding of Malindo Air to Batik Air and the launch of the Boeing 737-8 as part of the airline’s fleet.
The MCA president added that the initiative by Malaysia to utilise SAF was also observed by the world, adding that there was still a lot of potential for development.
In June, a total of 129 people flew from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore on an aircraft partly fuelled by cooking oil.
Cooking oil was among the “ingredients” in the sustainable aviation fuel used on Malaysia Airlines Flight MH603.
The flight operated on the Boeing 737-800 aircraft used a blend of 38% SAF and conventional jet fuel.
