Advancing Sustainability Under the New Era of the Three-Runway System
Entering a new era of Three-Runway operations, Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has made significant strides in enhancing its aviation capabilities. Flight movements and passengers traffic hit a post-pandemic high in January, and the air traffic network continues to expand. The recently launched SKYTOPIA initiative aims to provide specialised facilities and services for travellers worldwide, further solidifying HKIA’s status as one of the world’s leading aviation hubs. In light of this remarkable expansion, it is crucial to intensify efforts to minimise environmental impacts and promote sustainability through collaboration. Below are updates on our key initiatives:
- Renewable Diesel (RD) pilot – Since the commencement of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK)'s RD pilot in April 2024, eight business partners have launched their own RD initiatives. Three into-plane fuelling service companies have fully transitioned their Ground Services Equipment to RD, with this initiative led by AFSC Refuelling Limited highlighted in the “Spotlight” section.
- Promoting the uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Hong Kong – AAHK participated in two events organised by a political party and the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition, sharing insights from AAHK’s SAF Study and future SAF development in Hong Kong. More details are available in the “What’s happening” section.
- Implementation of Updated Carbon Offset and Sustainable Aviation Fuel certificate (SAFc) Policy – AAHK has introduced an updated carbon offset policy to reduce emissions from events with over 150 participants. Additionally, AAHK will purchase SAFc for staff overseas travel, promoting SAF usage.
- HKIA Carbon Capacity Building Programme (CCBP) – AAHK and Business Environment Council recently hosted the 15th CCBP event, featuring carbon reduction case studies and a panel on decarbonising airport operations. More sustainability topics will be featured in the second phase of the CCBP, so stay tuned for upcoming events.
- Scale Up Ecological Enhancement Initiatives – AAHK continues with voluntary efforts to scale up marine ecology and fisheries enhancement initiatives including the establishment of larger areas of artificial and shellfish reefs in airport west waters, these initiatives intended to contribute to increased biodiversity and to bring ecological and fisheries benefits, including to the recently designated North Lantau Marine Park.
- Updated Green Airport Design and Construction (GADC) Guidelines – AAHK has updated its existing GADC Guidelines to provide Project Managers with more guidelines on how to better monitor and reduce the embodied carbon footprint of new developments at HKIA.
- Sustainalytics – AAHK’s sustainability credentials were honoured with a “Low Risk” ESG rating for the third consecutive year, a top 3 ranking among 84 airports evaluated, and “Top-Rated ESG Performer” recognition for 2023, 2024, and 2025.
As we move into 2025, we look forward to exploring new opportunities for collaboration and continuing our efforts to create a more sustainable airport.
Peter Lee
Chief Sustainability Officer
Airport Authority Hong Kong
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AFSC leads full transition of GSE fleet to renewable diesel
Q&A with Ace Ng, General Manager, AFSC
Q: Why did AFSC Refuelling Limited (AFSC) decide to implement renewable diesel (RD) in your operations, and what benefits have you observed so far?
A: AFSC is committed to sustainability and has supported HKIA’s Net Zero Carbon Pledge since 2021. The launch of RD pilot by AAHK, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited and Shell Hong Kong Limited in 2024, coupled with the availability of the HKIA Greenovation Fund to subsidise this initiative, has inspired us to explore the possibilities of adopting this low-carbon fuel into our operations. By adopting RD as a transition fuel, AFSC can immediately decarbonise “hard-to-electrify” equipment such as fuel dispensers until electric options become available and economical. This cleaner and more efficient burning fuel can reduce with up to 95% lower GHG emissions compared with conventional fossil diesel, contributing to the 2035 midpoint carbon reduction target.
Q: Can you describe your recent collaboration with two other into-plane fuelling service companies to scale up the use of RD in your operations?
A: AFSC initiated our own trial run in November 2024 and was subsequently joined by two other into-plane fuelling service companies - CNAF Hong Kong Refuelling Limited and Worldwide Flight Services Fueling (Hong Kong) Ltd. Following the successful conclusion of the trial, we made the decision to transition our Ground Services Equipment (GSE) fleet to RD.
As RD is a new product in Hong Kong with limited availability, we have taken the lead in engaging directly with stakeholders across the fuel supply chain, including fuel producers and logistics companies, to facilitate the importation and delivery of fuel to HKIA. By consolidating the fuel requirements of the three companies, we are able to secure a highly competitive price compared to traditional fossil diesel, leveraging the advantages of economies of scale and more efficient logistics. Currently, the combined fleet of the three companies comprises over 60 GSE vehicles running on RD.
Q: What challenges have you encountered during the transition process as the pioneering airport business partner at HKIA to fully adopt RD across your GSE fleet?
A: Unlike the transition fossil diesel, RD is produced entirely from renewable resources such as waste animal fat and used cooking oil. Certification systems are in place to ensure the fuel's quality, supported by documentation proving its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring the sustainability of the feedstock. Our team meticulously reviews the certifications provided by fuel suppliers to ensure the fuel meets our quality standards. To ensure statutory compliance, we collaborate closely with relevant government departments to ensure that both the infrastructure setup and fuelling procedures adhere to the regulations.
We also participate in the HKIA Renewable Diesel Working Group, an initiative launched by AAHK. This platform allows us to share our experiences in procuring and using RD within our GSE fleet, facilitating the exchange of best practices among like-minded airport business partners. Through this collaborative effort, we address any issues encountered during the planning or implementation of RD pilots and collectively work towards promoting the broader adoption of RD across HKIA.
AFSC is progressing on expanding the use of RD to landside vehicles and emergency generators, and we also encourage more business partners to join us in this initiative.
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Government unveils roadmap for sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong SAR Government has launched a comprehensive roadmap for sustainability disclosure1, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in corporate sustainability practices. This initiative highlights Hong Kong's commitment to aligning with international standards and promoting sustainable development.
The roadmap tasks the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) with developing Hong Kong Standards fully aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards. This alignment ensures that Hong Kong's sustainability reporting framework is consistent with global best practices, enhancing the credibility and comparability of disclosures.
In September 2024, HKICPA released exposure drafts proposing the full convergence of Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS) S1 and S2 with ISSB's IFRS S1 and S2.2 These standards focus on general requirements for disclosing sustainability-related financial information and climate-related disclosures, respectively, with an effective date of 1 August 2025.
The new standards will require publicly accountable entities in Hong Kong to enhance their sustainability reporting, improving the quality and consistency of information for investors and stakeholders. This alignment with ISSB Standards positions Hong Kong as a regional leader in sustainability reporting, potentially attracting more international investment. Businesses will need to upgrade their data collection and reporting systems and train staff to meet these new requirements.
References:
1. Government launches roadmap on sustainability disclosure in Hong Kong
2. HKICPA issues the exposure drafts of two inaugural Hong Kong Sustainability Disclosure Standards for public consultation
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AAT organised its Annual Sustainability Week
Asia Airfreight Terminal (AAT) successfully concluded its Annual Sustainability Week, a dynamic event promoting sustainable practices and well-being. Highlights included an engaging Fairtrade Bazaar and an organic jam DIY workshop, both highlighting the importance of ethical consumption. The Fast Fashion Seminar and Barter Booth inspired participants to reflect on the environmental impact of fashion and explore ways to reduce their carbon footprints. The LOHAS booth showcased organic produce, promoting healthy eating habits. Finally, a mindfulness workshop with singing bowls wrapped up the event by providing a tranquil space for personal reflection and relaxation.
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HAECO upscaled its solar PV network
Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited (HAECO) has upscaled its solar photovoltaic (PV) panel system on Hangar 1's rooftop, with sponsorship from Swire Solution Roll Out Fund, and has been in operation since January 2025. With over 8,000 panels installed across all three hangars, the system now generates more than 4 million kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to 14% of the company’s annual electricity consumption at hangars. Being the largest single-site solar PV panel owner in Hong Kong, the upscaling underscores HAECO’s commitment to combating climate change and achieving net zero carbon emissions.
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HK Express launches “Ukids Explorer Upcycled Crossbody Bags”
HK Express proudly presents the “Ukids Explorer Upcycled Crossbody Bag”, a highlight of its Cabin Crew Uniform Upcycling & Recycling Project. In December 2024, HK Express hosted a workshop with The Zubin Foundation, where over 20 children and parents from ethnic minority families adorned the upcycled crossbody bags. Its upcycling partner, The Billie Upcycling, were invited to explain the process and importance of upcycling, while pilots and crew also shared their working lives with children.
HK Express successfully recycled and upcycled 80% of approximately 3,000 old cabin crew uniforms into new products in two years, continuing its journey towards sustainability and inspiring creativity within the community.
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AAHK shared Sustainable Aviation Fuel study insights with industry peers
AAHK recognises the critical role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in aviation decarbonisation and is committed to promoting its use at HKIA. As a founding partner of the Hong Kong Sustainable Aviation Fuel Coalition (HKSAFC), AAHK was honoured to participate in the Annual Symposium 2025 of HKSAFC in January. During the event, AAHK shared SAF study insights and engaged in a panel discussion focused on exploring innovative financing and value chain development to enhance SAF supply and demand in Hong Kong. This collaboration underscores AAHK’s commitment to driving the uptake of SAF at HKIA.
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HKIA Carbon Capacity Building Programme
In March 2025, AAHK organised an event titled “HKIA’s Decarbonisation Journey: Successes, Challenges, and Opportunities” as part of its HKIA Carbon Capacity Building Programme. AAHK and airport business partners, including representatives from Cathay Pacific Subsidiaries, Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited and HAECO shared their efforts in carbon reduction initiatives and discussed the challenges and opportunities along their decarbonisation journey. Valuable advice was offered on driving emissions reduction through technical, operational and cultural changes within their organisations in the panel discussion, providing insights and encouragement to the airport community.
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| We are eager to share and showcase environmental and sustainability practices. Please contact Tiffany Yip or Jimmy Liu to discuss your ideas. |
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