Singapore Airlines (SIA) has collaborated with the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) to launch a series of 12 ‘green package’ biofuel flights in order to cut carbon emissions.

To be conducted over a period of three months on SIA’s route between San Francisco, US, and Singapore, the flights combine the use of biofuels, fuel-efficient aircraft and optimised operations.

SIA has deployed its Airbus A350-900 aircraft as part of the initiative.

The first of the 12 flights has already completed its journey from San Francisco to Singapore, with 206 passengers on board.

“This is in line with our long-term commitment to further reduce carbon emissions while improving the efficiency of our operations."

A combination of conventional jet fuel, hydro-processed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), as well as sustainable biofuel produced by AltAir Fuels from used cooking oils has been used to power the flights.

CAAS and relevant air navigation service providers have provided optimised flight operations and the best air traffic management (ATM) practices that reduce fuel burn and carbon emissions for the green package flights.

Singapore Airlines CEO Goh Phong said: “Singapore Airlines’ fleet is already among the most modern and fuel-efficient in the world. We now want to push ourselves further and are embarking on this initiative to help promote the use of sustainable biofuel in an operationally and commercially viable manner.

“This is in line with our long-term commitment to further reduce carbon emissions while improving the efficiency of our operations.

“This initiative is especially memorable as our first biofuel flight departed from San Francisco on 1 May, when Singapore Airlines celebrated its 70th anniversary.”

SIA’s latest initiative to use biofuel will also support the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB) 2015, which will help develop the country as a leading green economy in the world.