UAE explores aviation sustainability partnerships in Hong Kong

Abu Dhabi: Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, visited Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) to review its sustainability-driven initiatives and explore potential collaboration with the UAE in advancing aviation decarbonisation.

During the visit, Al Olama met with Vivian Kar Fai Cheung, CEO of the Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), and discussed joint efforts to expand the production, supply chain, and certification pathways for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Both parties highlighted the importance of scaling up renewable energy and energy storage solutions to support the transition to low-carbon air travel.

At HKIA, Al Olama was briefed on several sustainability projects, including the deployment of Hong Kong’s largest Battery Energy Storage System, expansion of rooftop solar PV, and the integration of AI-powered technologies across airport operations. The airport has also made significant progress in promoting SAF adoption, which aligns with the UAE’s own aviation sustainability agenda.

“The UAE and Hong Kong share a common vision of building future-ready airports that not only connect people and markets but also set benchmarks in sustainability,” Al Olama said. He noted that airports in the UAE, including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, alongside national carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways, are already pioneering SAF adoption and carbon reduction strategies.

The discussions reinforced the UAE’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation in aviation sustainability and underscored the role of airports as critical enablers in reducing the sector’s carbon footprint.