• Cathay Group expands sustainable aviation fuel use across three major aviation regions, linking Europe, the US, and Asia-Pacific into a single SAF supply strategy
• Neste deploys global SAF production and airport fuel system access to enable immediate emissions reductions without aircraft or infrastructure changes
• Agreement highlights how airlines are using long-term SAF supply partnerships to manage decarbonization risk amid tightening global aviation climate policy

A multi-region SAF rollout for a global airline network

Cathay Group has entered into an agreement with Neste to supply sustainable aviation fuel across three of the world’s most strategically important aviation markets, marking a step change in how large international carriers are scaling SAF use beyond single-airport pilots.

Under the agreement, Neste supplies Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ for Cathay Group’s aviation operations in Europe, the United States, and Asia-Pacific. The fuel is already being delivered in blended form into airport fuel systems, allowing it to be used directly on scheduled flights without operational disruption.

In Europe, blended SAF is being supplied for Cathay Pacific flights departing from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. In the United States, Neste has been delivering SAF for Cathay Pacific operations at Los Angeles International Airport. In Asia-Pacific, the fuel is supplied into Singapore Changi Airport’s fuel facilities for flights operated by Air Hong Kong, the Cathay Group-owned all-cargo airline.

By convincing multiple airports and fuel systems to support SAF blending for its operations, Cathay is moving beyond symbolic adoption and into repeatable, scalable use across its long-haul network.

Why SAF remains the airline industry’s primary lever

For aviation, where near-term electrification remains unviable for long-haul routes, SAF is widely viewed as the most practical solution available today for cutting lifecycle emissions. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80 percent over the fuel’s life cycle compared with conventional fossil-based jet fuel.

Neste’s SAF is produced from renewable waste and residue raw materials, including used cooking oil and animal fat waste. It is certified for commercial use and can be blended up to 50 percent with conventional jet fuel. Crucially for airlines under cost and operational pressure, it works with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.

This compatibility allows airlines to decarbonize incrementally while avoiding capital-intensive fleet or infrastructure overhauls, a key consideration as regulatory pressure rises in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia.

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Corporate commitments meet fuel supply reality

For Cathay Group, the agreement reflects a strategy focused on embedding SAF into daily operations rather than relying on limited-volume showcase flights.

“Partnering with Neste marks a significant step toward our shared vision of decarbonizing air travel. This collaboration is among our multifaceted strategy in accelerating the adoption of SAF within our extensive network, which reinforces our commitment to innovation and sustainability, ensuring we deliver meaningful impact for our customers and the air transport industry. SAF continues to play an important role in our decarbonization journey as the most viable solution today for addressing emissions associated with flying,” said Kristof Van Passel, Head of Procurement Operations & Sustainability at Cathay Pacific.

From Neste’s perspective, the agreement demonstrates how global SAF production capacity can be translated into real-world airline usage across continents.

“Neste is proud to support Cathay Group in its journey to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by supplying Neste MY SAF. Our global SAF production and supply capabilities offer international airlines, such as Cathay, a viable option to scale up usage of SAF, which is a key lever to reduce aviation related emissions. At the same time it enables Cathay’s customers to reduce the GHG emissions of their air travel and transport activities,” said Mario Mifsud, Vice President Renewable Fuels Sales & Trading EMEA & APAC at Neste.

Supply scale and policy alignment

Neste’s global SAF production capacity currently stands at 1.5 million tons per annum and is expected to increase to 2.2 million tons by 2027. That scale is becoming increasingly relevant as governments introduce blending mandates and emissions reporting requirements for aviation fuel.

In Europe, the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation sets binding SAF blending targets for airlines operating in the region. Similar policy discussions are underway in the US and Asia-Pacific, creating both compliance risk and strategic opportunity for carriers able to secure reliable SAF supply early.

For investors and airline executives, the Cathay-Neste agreement illustrates how fuel procurement is becoming a core climate governance issue. Long-term SAF access is no longer a branding exercise but a hedge against regulatory tightening, carbon pricing exposure, and future fuel scarcity.

As aviation faces intensifying scrutiny over its climate footprint, multi-region SAF supply agreements like this one are emerging as a defining feature of credible airline decarbonization strategies.

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