Charting the Future of Aviation: How You Can Make a Green Impact

By Ann Majid, Communications Manager, Association of Aerospace Industries (Singapore)

Dear Students,
With sustainability becoming a global priority, the aviation industry is adapting—and that means careers in this field are evolving too, offering fresh opportunities that combine innovation with environmental responsibility. In February 2024, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) launched the Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint, laying out Singapore’s strategy to continue growing its aviation sector while reducing its carbon footprint. The plan includes ambitious targets like cutting domestic aviation emissions by 20% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions for international flights by 2050. To achieve these goals, CAAS has introduced 12 key initiatives spanning airports, airlines, and air traffic management. These initiatives focus on reducing energy consumption, transitioning to cleaner energy sources like low-carbon electricity and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and using technology to make operations more efficient.	Image: Blueprint Thumbnail – Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), February 2024
SAFs, Greener Airports and Smarter Skies SAF is recognised worldwide as a game changer for cutting emissions in air travel, and Singapore is leading the charge in its adoption. Successful SAF pilot programmes have already been conducted at Changi Airport. Image: SAF at Changi Airport – ExxonMobil, August 2022 One of the standout announcements in conjunction with the blueprint is the mandatory use of SAF for flights departing from Singapore starting in 2026. Outgoing flights will be required to use at least 1% SAF, supported by a passenger levy that will help finance SAF procurement. This target is expected to grow to 5% by 2030. Our airports are also becoming greener, with plans to switch vehicles to cleaner fuels and increase the use of solar power. On the air traffic management side, CAAS is implementing advanced tools like demand-capacity balancing and performance-based navigation to enhance efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. The blueprint also highlights critical enablers for success including infrastructure planning, workforce development, and international partnerships. CAAS plans to establish an Asia-Pacific Sustainable Aviation Centre to support research and development in sustainable aviation for the region. Infographics by Ministry of Transport, March 2024
Your Role in Building A Sustainable Air Hub Beyond traditional technical roles, the aviation industry promises exciting new career pathways. Picture yourself in roles like research, next-generation aircraft engineering, sustainable fuel technology, sustainability and operational efficiency management, green infrastructure planning, international negotiations and collaboration, carbon trading, or green financing. You’re in a unique position to make a real impact and keep Singapore flying high as a global air hub—your passion and skills can shape the future of aviation! The Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint is just the beginning. Learn more about sustainability initiatives in Singapore’s aerospace scene at the AAIS website and stay up to date with the latest developments by subscribing to Aerospace Singapore Digital.