New Zealand and Singapore agree to collaborate on sustainable aviation incentives

The governments of New Zealand and Singapore have agreed to work together to foster the development of a sustainable aviation ecosystem. In collaboration with the industry, academia and stakeholders, they will promote policies and actions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the industry.

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The agreement was sealed through a memorandum of understanding signed by the two countries, represented by the New Zealand Ministries of Transport and Business, Innovation and Employment, and the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Transport of Singapore.

The initiative is based on four key areas: policy and regulation, industry development, future infrastructure planning and provision, and workforce transformation.

They will also coordinate research, testing and development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Both countries plan to facilitate alternative fuel supply chains in the Asia-Pacific region. In addition, they will study the technical and commercial feasibility of developing «green lanes» between their territories to promote commercial SAF flights gradually.

The agreement is one of the first initiatives in a new framework of joint work on actions to promote a more sustainable economy. The partnership between the two nations began in 2019, following an official visit by New Zealand Prime Minister, Jacinta Ardern, to Singapore.

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For the Asian country, sustainability is a priority aspect of aviation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Singapore has always been a major global airline hub and is looking to regain that role. Changi International Airport (SIN) is one of the busiest airports on the continent. It is also the hub of Singapore Airlines, which offers a major network of connections throughout Asia, the Pacific, the Middle East, North America and Europe.

The national Civil Aviation Authority is developing a «Sustainable Air Hub Blueprint», to be published in early 2023. It aims to set medium and long-term sustainability goals and identify practical ways to achieve them.

See also: Hello Kiwis: New Zealand opens its borders to more than 60 countries ahead of schedule