Energy Theatre

Designing SAF Demand: What Global Policies and Experiments Teach Hong Kong

10 Sep (Thur) Day 1 : 12:45 – 13:35

Full Programme
Energy Theatre

As jurisdictions around the world move from planning to implementing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) policies, a wide range of demand side mechanisms are emerging — from passenger levies and fuel mandates to voluntary corporate procurement and hybrid models. While these approaches are often cited as “best practice”, early experiences show that design choices matter greatly in determining cost impacts, competitiveness, and real emissions outcomes.
This panel brings together aviation, fuel, corporate and policy perspectives to reflect on what different jurisdictions have learned so far from SAF demand mechanisms, including unintended consequences and trade offs. The discussion will focus on which approaches may be suitable — or unsuitable — for Hong Kong’s role as an international aviation hub, and how Hong Kong can design SAF demand signals that are credible, competitive and investment ready.

Session Learnings:

  • How different SAF demand mechanisms (levies, mandates, voluntary and hybrid models) are being implemented across key jurisdictions
  • What early lessons and unintended consequences are emerging from these approaches
  • How SAF demand design affects airline costs, hub competitiveness and passenger affordability
  • The role of corporate demand and voluntary mechanisms in complementing government policy
  • Key considerations when translating global SAF policy experiences to Hong Kong’s context
  • The role of corporate-led SAF demand and book-and-claim models
  • How voluntary initiatives can help de-risk early SAF markets
  • The interplay between policy frameworks and corporate procurement in accelerating SAF adoption

Post-Event Actions:

  • Re evaluate whether overseas SAF policy models are directly transferable to Hong Kong
  • Identify demand side SAF approaches that align with their organisation’s role in the aviation value chain
  • Engage more critically with industry discussions on SAF policy design
  • Explore how corporate SAF demand or partnerships could complement emerging policies
  • Incorporate competitiveness and cost impact considerations into SAF strategy

Speakers

Grace Cheung

Cathay

General Manager Sustainability

Grace Cheung is General Manager Sustainability at Cathay Pacific. Leading the Group Sustainability Department, Grace oversees sustainability strategy and ESG performance of the whole Cathay Group. Under Grace’s leadership, sustainability has changed from a standalone specialist function to an integrated strategic and operational imperative in the airline group.

During Grace’s tenure, Cathay Pacific has committed for its net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050, supported by its mid-term target for using 10% sustainable aviation fuel and 12% carbon intensity improvement by 2030. The airline has also launched the first major Corporate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Programme in Asia in 2022.

Grace has also led Cathay’s effort in circular economy, reducing its environmental footprint on materials and waste. The airline has reduced its customer-facing single-use plastic items from an average of 7.7 pieces per passenger in 2019 down to 3.1 in 2023. A new target is set to bring it down further to 1.5 pieces per passenger by 2025, supported by additional targets on recycled plastics usage and recycling rate.

Grace represents Cathay in a number of industry working groups advocating for supportive policies and best practices sharing for further development of sustainability in the airline industry. Grace is the Chair of the Environment & Sustainability Board at the Oneworld alliance and the Vice Chair of the Sustainability & Environment Advisory Council at the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Speaking at 2026 sessions:

Day 1

Designing SAF Demand: What Global Policies and Experiments Teach Hong Kong

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