AirAsia believes the Philippines, a top destination for nature and experiential tourism, has the potential to grow in tourist arrivals due to the recovery from the pandemic. However, the airline company, which contributes over 2% of global CO2 emissions, is responsible for environmental protection and sustainability. AirAsia Philippines focuses on reducing carbon emissions and accelerating the use of Sustainable Aircraft (SAF) to reduce its carbon footprint. CEO Ricky Isla highlighted that technological infrastructure development, policies, regulations, investment opportunities, and technical capabilities for SAF are still in the early stages in the Philippines.
Despite this, Mr. Isla noted that the airline is still on-track with AirAsia’s Net Zero program which aims to use SAF throughout the whole group to include the Philippines, from a low of 2% or 40.62 tonnes next year (2025) to a maximum of 70% (1.90 million tonnes) by 2050.
“Looking ahead, we remain committed to raising the sustainability bar. Among others, we will pursue regulatory approvals for CORSIA offset management, regional expansion of our aviation sustainability campaign, and incorporation of renewable energy at ADE’s maintenance facilities. At AirAsia Foundation, we look forward to expanding our partnerships for sustainable travel”, Mr. Isla stressed.
In the meantime, AirAsia Philippines has taken up several measures to ensure its proactive actions towards sustainability such as Fleet Management or the utilization of more efficient aircraft such as the A321neo, optimization of aircraft operation or Green Flight Operations. AirAsia has also ventured on small steps to promote sustainability in its flights. Mr. Isla said they encourage guests to bring reusable flasks, coffee cups, and even utensils onboard.
The AirAsia chief also noted that collaboration between airline operators and other stakeholders is essential, especially in creating awareness among travelers. Meanwhile, AirAsia Philippines welcomes the Civil Aeronautics Board’s (CAB) decision to lower the Fuel Surcharge from Level 6 to a notch down at Level 5 for July.
Over the past five months, Fuel Surcharge remained at a high of Level 6. Next month, the reduction to Level 5 means that guests can anticipate lower fees ranging from PHP 151.00 to PHP 542.00 for domestic flights and between PHP498.03 to PHP3,703.11 for international flights, depending on the destination.
AirAsia Philippines, being the World’s Best Low-Cost Airline for an uninterrupted 14 years, remains committed to cushion the impact of the Fuel Surcharge by offering our guests with the lowest fares such as our monthly Double Digit Sale and Flash Sale. These and other exciting offerings via the AirAsia MOVE App and airasia.com are designed to entice more guests to fulfill their travel goals towards the end of 2024.
