Efforts to reduce carbon emissions cannot be delayed, Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Captain Sabirin bin Haji Abdul Hamid said yesterday at the opening ceremony of International Air Transport Association (IATA) Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Capacity Building Session. He highlighted the reality of climate change, pointing to global warming driven by fossil fuel use, which is contributing to more frequent and severe weather events. He cited the extreme weather Brunei experienced in mid-September, with 80 kilometre per hour (km/h) winds and heavy rainfall, which caused significant damage.
RB, he highlighted as a vital enabler of global connectivity, trade, tourism, and economic growth, aviation must play its part in mitigating these risks.
He further stated, “Both the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), of which Brunei Darussalam is a member state, and IATA, of which RB is a member, are committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. This requires a comprehensive strategy involving new aircraft technologies, infrastructure improvements, carbon offsetting, and, most importantly, the use of SAF.”
Captain Sabirin explained that SAF “is seen as the most critical solution for decarbonising aviation. According to IATA’s Net Zero CO2 Emissions Policy Roadmap of September 2024, SAF is expected to provide 65 per cent of the emissions reductions needed by 2050. This is not a hypothetical future but an essential path we must take”.
He also shared that RB is committed to operational efficiency, from introducing more fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 787-9s set to arrive in 2028, to using software like SkyBreathe to optimise flight operations and reduce emissions. However, he stressed that collaboration between government, industry, and global stakeholders is necessary to establish the right policies for SAF adoption.
Meanwhile Special Duties Officer Grade II of Aviation Department Nurul Hani binti Haji Tahir reiterated, “The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has placed importance on exerting efforts to reduce carbon emissions from Brunei’s aviation sector. Therefore, we have initiated engagements with main SAF stakeholders to have discussions and exchange views on the adoption of SAF in Brunei.”
She also highlighted that SAF can reduce emissions for up to 80 per cent compared to traditional jet fuel.
One of the highlights of the event was the introduction of RB’s first artificial intelligence (AI)-generated emcee, Aira, demonstrating the airline’s commitment to integrating technology and sustainability in its operations. IATA SAF Capacity Building Session, hosted by RB, together with IATA, and the DCA, at RB Campus, reaffirmed RB’s commitment to sustainable aviation and reducing carbon emissions. The session brought together aviation leaders, industry experts, and policymakers to discuss the urgent need for SAF production and adoption as a key element in decarbonising the aviation industry.
The session also explored Brunei’s potential to develop its own SAF industry, leveraging existing infrastructure to produce low-carbon aviation fuels. With the aviation sector expected to require 87 per cent of its fuel demand from SAF by 2050, Brunei stands to benefit both environmentally and economically.
In his closing remarks, Captain Sabirin emphasised the collective responsibility of all stakeholders. “Decarbonisation is not just an option – it is an obligation. The success of SAF relies on collaboration across industries, and today’s workshop has been an important step in realising this vision. For the future of our planet and the future of aviation, the time to act is now.”
As RB celebrates 50 years of connecting Brunei to the world, the airline remains committed to supporting Brunei’s economic growth, driving innovation, and playing a key role in sustainable development, in line with Brunei Vision 2035. – James Kon
