SINGAPORE will be conducting a sustainable aviation fuel (Saf) pilot in the third quarter of this year amid a major push by aviation authorities to nudge the industry towards lower emissions.

This follows a study of the operational and commercial viability of Saf at Changi Airport with industry partners, according to the Ministry of Transport (MOT).

The pilot will begin ahead of the Singapore Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint, which is now in-progress and will be unveiled by early 2023.

At the ministry's Committee of Supply debate in Parliament on Wednesday (Mar 9), Transport Minister S Iswaran said the blueprint will establish emissions reduction targets for 2030 and 2050, as well as specific measures to be taken at the airport, with airlines and in air traffic management.

"Besides lowering emissions, it will also create new opportunities for Singaporeans in fields like data analytics and engineering," he told the House.

An international advisory panel has also been convened in February to provide guidance on the blueprint.

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Separately, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) also inked an agreement with plane maker Airbus at the Singapore Airshow 2022 to launch a technical feasibility study of an airport hydrogen hub and the infrastructure requirements to support future hydrogen-powered aircraft operations.

Ahead of the minister's speech, Sembawang GRC MP Poh Li San had asked how the government will help aviation companies cope with increased business costs arising from higher carbon taxes, which would include higher electricity charges.

Iswaran said MOT and CAAS are working with them to adopt new technologies and other measures to enhance energy efficiency, reduce electricity usage and lower carbon emissions, such as through the deployment of solar panels at the airport.

"I should add that our aviation enterprises should also view this as an opportunity to differentiate themselves and enhance their competitiveness given the global focus on sustainability," he said.

Get the latest updates on Budget 2022 here: bt.sg/budget22