Cathay Group and Airbus invest $545m to boost SAF production

It will focus on commercially viable, long-term fuel projects.

The Cathay Group and Airbus have announced a joint investment of up to $545 m (US$70m) to accelerate the development and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Asia and worldwide.

The agreement was signed in Hong Kong during the IATA World Sustainability Symposium, attended by Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer Alex McGowan and Airbus President Asia Pacific Anand Stanley.

Under the partnership, both companies will identify, assess, and invest in SAF projects that are commercially viable, technologically mature, and capable of long-term production. The goal is to scale SAF availability by 2030 and beyond.

The companies will also work together to advocate for supportive SAF policies across Asia, focusing on both supply and demand.

With Asia’s strong feedstock potential, production capacity, and growing aviation market, Cathay and Airbus aim to make SAF more accessible and affordable in the region.

The announcement follows Cathay’s recent investment in the oneworld BEV SAF Fund, launched with other oneworld airlines and Breakthrough Energy Ventures, founded by Bill Gates.

That fund focuses on next-generation SAF technologies, while the Cathay–Airbus initiative will target more mature projects to boost near-term supply.

Cathay and Airbus have maintained a close partnership since 1989, when Cathay placed its first Airbus order.

The Cathay Group currently operates over 85 Airbus aircraft, with more than 70 still on order.