Weathering the Storm: Advancing Resilience and Sustainability at Hong Kong International Airport

As Hong Kong enters the typhoon and rainy season, we are reminded of the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events brought by climate change. Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) has taken proactive measures to prepare for these challenges. We successfully conducted the “Summer Blow 2025” exercise in March – which involved more than 670 participants across 32 governmental departments and airport organisations. This exercise not only enhances our familiarity with typhoon contingency procedures but also fosters collaboration across the airport community to ensure smooth operations during adverse conditions.

In addition to enhancing the climate resilience at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), AAHK is diligently progressing various sustainability initiatives. I am delighted to provide updates on our key initiatives:

• “Treasures of the Western Waters” exhibition – AAHK successfully held this exhibition at Arrival Hall from April to June, raising public awareness about marine conservation. Visitors explored the beauty of western waters through interactive games and engaging displays.
   
• Publicity on biodiversity achievements – Alongside the exhibition, a series of events has been rolled out to introduce the diverse marine ecosystems around the airport. Activities included publicity videos and boat eco-tours for students and stakeholders to explore North Lantau waters near HKIA.
   
• Frontline cleaner incentive scheme – To promote proper waste recycling practices among frontline cleaners at the Terminal building, AAHK initiated an incentive scheme in February. More than 600 frontline cleaners received cash coupons for their efforts in waste separation.
   
• Green Office initiatives – A new food waste recycling programme has been launched to collect coffee grounds and food waste from our offices. The collected food waste is transported to Government facilities for biogas production and electricity generation.
   
• Awards & recognitions – We are delighted to share the recent accolades recognising AAHK's sustainability leadership in the industry:
   
  • Airports Council International’s Green Airports Recognition 2025 – Gold Award (over 38 million passengers per annum category) for HKIA’s Renewable Diesel (RD) Pilot Project, recognising the collaborative efforts in promoting RD at HKIA, in partnership with Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited and Shell Hong Kong Limited. 
     
  • Ming Pao ESG Award 2025 – Excellent Environmental, Social and Governance Corporate Award – Non-listed Company 
     

We continue to be dedicated to fostering innovative collaborations with the airport community as we collectively strive to build a more sustainable and resilient airport.


Peter Lee 
Chief Sustainability Officer 
Airport Authority Hong Kong  

HAECO’s Solar Milestone at Hong Kong International Airport

Q&A with Ying Ying Kwok, Safety and Environment Manager (Environment), HAECO
 
Q: Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company (HAECO) further expanded its solar photovoltaic (PV) system in Hong Kong. Can you share the significance of this project? 

A: We are proud to be the owner of the largest single-site solar PV system in Hong Kong. This expansion marks a significant milestone in HAECO’s ongoing commitment to decarbonisation. With the addition of 2,200 solar PV panels installed on the rooftop of Hangar 1 facility, HAECO now operates over 8,000 panels in total. The entire system is capable of generating more than 4,000,000 kWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the energy consumption of approximately 1,300 households. By purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates for the energy generated from the Hangar 1’s solar PV panels, it will significantly reduce our carbon footprint as we continue to advance towards net zero carbon emissions.

Q: How does this solar initiative contribute to HAECO’s sustainable development strategy?

A: Renewable energy adoption is a cornerstone of our environmental sustainability strategy. HAECO Group’s SD 2030 Sustainability Vision sets out a 10-year roadmap for sustainable development of HAECO’s business, with an aim to reduce 40% of scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2030 from the 2018 baseline. The solar PV system expansion demonstrates our proactive approach to integrating renewable energy into our operations and aligns with our broader goal of enhancing resilience to climate change. This project also lays a strong foundation for future green innovations and underscores our dedication to reducing carbon footprint.

Q: Beyond solar energy, what other carbon reduction initiatives is HAECO implementing to achieve its sustainability goals?

A: HAECO is taking a comprehensive strategy to reduce carbon emissions across our operations. In 2024, we replaced 6,263 light tubes with energy-efficient LED lighting. Additionally, we applied cooling paint to the four curtain walls of our cargo building, which helps to reduce heat absorption and lower the air conditioning demand. Together, these initiatives are expected to reduce approximately 370 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Another key initiative to reduce scope 1 emissions is fleet electrification. In 2024, we acquired ten electric vans with plans to expand further.

Q: Looking ahead, how does HAECO plan to achieve Net Zero Carbon across its operations?

A: HAECO is firmly committed to the HKIA 2050 Net Zero Carbon Pledge. Over the years, we have been exploring a range of solutions with various stakeholders and business partners. In 2025, we will additionally introduce ten electric vans, six electric tractors, and progressively electrify all our commercial vehicles at HKIA by 2030. The LED replacement project, involving a replacement of all 19,000 conventional lights across our facilities, will be completed in 2025. We are also investing in technology-driven efficiency improvements, such as the installation of nano filters in over 100 Air Handling Units and Graphene Power Optimiser.

Sustainability is not just a goal—it’s a responsibility that we strive to incorporate into all aspects of our operation. We are proud of the progress we have made so far and confident in our ability to drive meaningful changes for a more sustainable future.

IATA launched its Sustainable Aviation Fuel Registry

In April 2025, International Air Transport Association (IATA) officially launched its Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry, marking a step forward in the aviation industry’s journey toward net zero emissions.¹ Managed by IATA’s newly established Civil Aviation Decarbonisation Organisation, the registry serves as a global system to accurately and transparently record SAF transactions.²

According to IATA’s estimation, the SAF production reached 1.25 billion litres, representing 0.3% of global jet fuel use.³ With the launch of SAF Registry, it is expected to boost SAF adoption by simplifying transactions and ensuring credible emissions accounting.

SAF registry serves as a database for managing reliable tracking of environmental attributes associated with SAF production and usage. By creating a standardised global system, airlines, their corporate customers, fuel producers, regulatory bodies and all related organisations can record and account for SAF transactions in the global market through a single and unified platform. For example, SAF producers can issue and transfer SAF Fuel Units via the system to fuel suppliers and airline companies. Airlines can also assign scope 3 emissions reductions to their end customers in alignment with the IATA SAF Accounting Methodology through the system. As such, the platform prevents double-counting and double-claiming of emissions reductions.

A key feature of the registry is the Book & Claim solution, which allows airlines to purchase SAF from producers worldwide, regardless of geographical locations. The system also stores all relevant information including Proof of Sustainability, issuances, transfers and redemptions. This solution ensures that the SAF purchases by airlines can be claimed under regulatory obligations.

With SAF being a crucial lever for aviation decarbonisation, this initiative paves the way for greater accountability and scalability in sustainable aviation fuel usage globally. The launch of the SAF Registry marks a significant milestone in the development of a mature and transparent global SAF market. As the aviation industry continues to scale up SAF production and adoption, IATA’s registry provides the critical infrastructure needed to ensure integrity, traceability, and global alignment in the sector’s sustainability efforts.

Please visit SAF Registry | CADO to learn more.

References:

1. SAF Registry Goes Live | IATA Pressroom
2. SAF Registry | CADO
3. Net zero 2050: sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)