KUALA LUMPUR: French aircraft maker Airbus SE and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), the parent company of Malaysia Airlines, inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to conduct comprehensive studies on the carbon emissions of the airline group.
The agreement was signed by MAG group chief sustainability officer Philip See and Airbus chief sustainability officer Julie Kitcher in Singapore ahead of the air show there.
This significant step signifies the initiation of a two-year partnership between the two entities, dedicated to exploring various avenues for decarbonisation within MAG’s operations.
The MoU between Airbus and MAG encompasses five key areas of focus.
These include sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon dioxide removal (CDR), assessment of financial implications associated with carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction, forecast and scenario planning and joint advocacy and communication efforts.
A joint working group, comprising representatives from Airbus and MAG, has already been established and has been engaged in extensive deliberations on diverse decarbonisation strategies tailored to MAG’s unique requirements.
Philip said this study with Airbus would strengthen the momentum MAG has on making its aviation units more sustainable.
“Since the launch of MAG’s Sustainability Blueprint in 2021, the airline group has been committed to promoting socio-economic development and achieving net zero carbon emission by 2050.
“This collaboration with Airbus is part of that initiative, and through the study, MAG will be better equipped to deliver on its environmental responsibilities and empower the global communities it serves,” he said.
Julie said Airbus is committed to pioneering sustainable aviation, and this MoU showcases the aircraft maker’s commitment to increasing the development and adoption of decarbonisation tools such as SAF and CDR.
“Airbus and Malaysia Airlines have a longstanding relationship, which will deepen when we celebrate the delivery of their new widebody fleet of A330neo later this year.
“This agreement will provide an excellent foundation not only for MAG’s sustainability roadmap but also for Malaysia and the wider ASEAN region,” she said.
