Cleaner energy, improved navigation tools: How the airport and air traffic management sectors will reduce emissions

SINGAPORE: Reducing energy use from air-conditioning in airport terminal buildings, using cleaner energy sources for airside vehicle fleets and enhancing air traffic management tools. 

These are among the initiatives that will be implemented under the airport and air traffic management domains as part of Singapore's sustainable air hub blueprint. 

The blueprint, which was developed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), was launched on Monday (Feb 19) by Transport Minister Chee Hong Tat at the Changi Aviation Summit. 

CAAS will work on rolling out a suite of initiatives across three domains – airline, airport and air traffic management – to decarbonise Singapore's aviation sector while supporting its sustainable growth. 

Under the airline domain, CAAS will require flights departing Singapore to use sustainable aviation fuel from 2026. Passengers can expect to pay an additional levy on their air tickets. 

Singapore aims to reduce domestic aviation emissions from airport operations by 20 per cent from 2019 levels by 2030. The emissions targets exclude Changi East developments, including Terminal 5, as these are not yet operational today. 

Singapore also aims to achieve net-zero domestic and international aviation emissions – inclusive of emissions from international flights operated by Singapore-based operators – by 2050. 

“Our approach is to enable the aviation sector to grow and achieve environmental sustainability concurrently – not choosing one or the other, but we want both – so that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of flying,” said Mr Chee.

“Aviation is a key enabler for the global economy, connecting businesses and people – it brings the world closer together. Hence, the future of aviation must continue to be a story of growth, balanced with sustainability. Good for people, good for businesses, good for the environment.” 

AIRPORT: REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION, USING RENEWABLES 

CAAS will roll out five initiatives to reduce energy use and deploy renewables at Changi Airport under the airport domain in the blueprint.

First, it will work with the Changi Airport Group (CAG) to install more solar photovoltaic systems on available rooftop spaces of airport buildings to increase solar power deployment at Changi Airport and Seletar Airport. It will also study the feasibility of airfield solar deployment.

As of the end of 2023, Changi Airport had the capacity to generate close to 4 per cent of its 2019 electricity consumption. Plans to install more solar photovoltaic systems on available rooftop spaces will generate a further 6 per cent.