Singapore (VNA) - Singapore is spearheading efforts to develop sustainable aviation in the Asia-Pacific region by promoting policy research, cooperation, and capacity building aimed at balancing economic growth and environmental protection.
Besides upgrading airport infrastructure and air traffic systems, the country has recently launched the Asia-Pacific Sustainable Aviation Centre (APSAC), established by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).
This is the world’s first centre dedicated to policy research and capacity development specifically for the Asia-Pacific region, helping countries pursue both economic development and sustainability goals.
As a non-profit entity, APSAC will support practical progress in sustainable aviation through research into areas such as cleaner aviation fuels, carbon auditing, and carbon market development.
It will also foster collaboration between governments, industry stakeholders, and academic institutions by leveraging their expertise and resources for joint projects. In addition, the centre will provide technical assistance and training to help governments and companies develop and implement sustainable aviation policies.
Its operations, including staffing and infrastructure, will be fully funded by CAAS. The centre’s physical location has not yet been announced.
CAAS stated that APSAC will be overseen by an advisory board comprising senior executives from across the aviation, energy, and green finance sectors, including Airbus, Boeing, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Neste, Singapore-based investment platform GenZero, and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
A memorandum of understanding to formalise cooperation between CAAS, APSAC, and these advisory board partners was signed on July 14.
Singaporean experts anticipate that air travel demand in the Asia-Pacific will triple over the next 20 years. As regional countries also commit to achieving net-zero carbon emissions, they will require solutions to ensure growth while meeting sustainability targets.
CAAS Director-General and APSAC Chair Han Kok Juan affirmed that Asia-Pacific nations are striving for both growth and sustainability. The new centre will offer each country a range of policy options and tools tailored to their national circumstances.
He emphasised that Singapore is planning not only for the present but also for future generations, while taking concrete near-term steps toward sustainability./.
