Hong Kong is stepping up efforts to develop a reliable supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as the city seeks to strengthen its position as a major international aviation hub while responding to growing pressure on airlines to reduce carbon emissions.
The initiative forms part of Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development and the government’s 2026 Policy Address. Under the plan, authorities are targeting a sustainable aviation fuel consumption ratio of 1% to 3% for flights departing Hong Kong International Airport by 2030.
The government has also backed the development of an SAF production base in nearby Dongguan, Guangdong, which is expected to begin production by 2030. In Hong Kong itself, authorities are planning the construction of an SAF blending facility that would form part of a wider supply network connecting production, transportation and aviation fuel use across the Greater Bay Area.
Officials are also studying a possible mandatory SAF consumption mechanism and a green-energy certification system. The objective is to create clearer market conditions for producers and airlines while helping establish a more dependable long-term supply of competitively priced sustainable aviation fuel.
The move comes as Hong Kong's aviation sector continues to expand. According to the government, Hong Kong International Airport handled 61 million passengers in 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year, while air-cargo throughput reached 5.07 million tonnes. The airport also maintained its position as the world's busiest cargo airport by volume for the 15th year since 2010.
The city is simultaneously working to expand its international flight network. As of the end of August 2026, 40 airlines had introduced 94 new routes covering Asia, Europe, North America and Africa, while frequencies on 15 existing routes had been increased. The government has said it intends to continue pursuing additional air-service agreements and traffic rights.
Sustainable aviation fuel is becoming increasingly important because conventional aircraft cannot simply be replaced overnight with zero-emission alternatives, particularly on long-distance routes. SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft and airport infrastructure, although global production remains limited. Cathay Pacific reported that SAF accounted for only a small share of the global aviation fuel market in 2025 despite significant growth in its own usage.
Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s flagship airline, has also expanded its involvement in SAF procurement. The airline said its corporate SAF programme recorded more than 17,400 tonnes of commitments from participating companies in 2025, while its overall SAF use reached 36,242 tonnes during the year.
The push nevertheless comes with challenges. SAF remains more expensive and less widely available than conventional jet fuel, while governments and airlines in different markets are adopting different targets and regulatory approaches. Hong Kong officials have therefore stressed the importance of developing sufficient supply and credible certification mechanisms as international aviation rules evolve.
For Hong Kong, the SAF strategy is consequently about more than reducing aviation emissions. It is also intended to reinforce the infrastructure and energy security supporting the city's growing aviation industry. The government’s approach combines fuel supply development with airport expansion, new routes, aircraft-related industries and greater integration with the wider Greater Bay Area.
If successfully implemented, the planned SAF production and blending network would give Hong Kong a more structured pathway toward cleaner aviation while supporting the city's broader ambition to remain a major gateway between China and international markets.