PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysia Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint (MADB) will provide a strategic framework for advancing the green economy and decarbonise the aviation sector.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the blueprint outlined a comprehensive approach to achieve emission reduction by 2050 through four measures.
"(These measures include) improvements in aircraft technology, targeting up to 18 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050; operational enhancements (by) striving for up to five per cent reduction through better air traffic management; and, more efficient flight operations (through the use of) sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), aiming for up to 46 per cent reduction through the increased use of biofuels and other sustainable alternatives.
"This also includes market-based measures, pursuing up to 30 per cent reduction by adopting carbon offset schemes and purchasing carbon credits," he said at the MADB launch here today.
Present was Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
Previously, there was no specific green aviation policy in Malaysia to guide the aviation sector in fulfilling the country's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions for international flights by 2050.
The four categories of mitigation measures were established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), of which Malaysia is a member.
Loke said the strategic framework was categorised into three action groups: airline measures, air traffic management measures and airport measures.
Airlines, he said, would be at the forefront of decarbonising the aviation sector, as more than
90 per cent of carbon emissions were generated during the commission of a flight.
"Airlines have four main avenues for reducing emissions, which are adopting
newer, more efficient aircraft technologies; enhancing operational efficiencies; utilising SAF; and, engaging in market-based measures, such as purchasing carbon credits.
"Air traffic management improvements will benefit all airlines flying into, out of and over Malaysian airspace, reducing flight delays and congestion. A one-minute reduction in flight time per flight could lower CO2 emissions by 75,600 tonnes annually in Malaysian airspace alone.
"Airports play a critical role as well. Efficient airport design and operations can reduce ground emissions. Larger airports and inefficient allocation of parking bays required longer on-ground taxiing" he added.
Loke said another aspect of airports that impacts airlines was their use of and ability to supply green energy alternatives, such as SAF, biodiesel and clean electricity.
These were essential for airlines to fly greener and convert to e-ground equipment, such as baggage trolleys, push-back vehicles and ground power units, he said.
The MADB sets decarbonisation targets for the aviation sector according to aircraft technology, operational improvements, SAF use and carbon offsetting, with short-, mid- and long-term goals.
On another matter, Loke announced Malaysia's candidacy for the ICAO Council election in Part III for the 2025-2028 term at the 42nd ICAO Triennial Assembly in September next year.
"I humbly seek the support of all member states, particularly excellencies representing foreign missions in Malaysia attending this event today."
Separately, Loke said airlines were required to return carbon charges they imposed on passengers.
"I would like to clarify that carbon fees are not mandatory and are not required by the government or the Transport Ministry. It is up to each airline company to decide."