MUSCAT: The ‘Forum on Sustainable and Low-Carbon Aviation Fuel and Clean Energies in the Civil Aviation Sector’ concluded on Wednesday with delegates urging all stakeholders in the Sultanate of Oman to assess the full potential of developing a market for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in Oman.
The two-day forum, organised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), was attended by leading figures representing aviation authorities in the region, as well as energy companies exploring opportunities in the eSAF and Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF) markets. A delegation from the International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) was in attendance as well.
Announcing a list of outcomes and recommendations emerging at the end of the event, the CAA said: “Oman is strongly positioned to play a key role in the e-SAF market and should assess this opportunity diligently. The basket of measures put forward by ICAO is suitable for Oman to continue pursuing with intensity consistent with its NetZero target and market evolution.”
The CAA also plans to announce the first national workshop for the development and deployment of alternative fuels (SAF, LCAF, and cleaner energies) in Oman, with the participation of all national stakeholders.
In addition, the second edition of the ‘Forum of Innovation Support on Sustainable & Low Carbon Aviation Fuel and Cleaner Energies in the Civil Aviation Sector’ will be held as a national platform for sharing ideas, know-how, and experiences, the Authority said.
According to the CAA, other SAF pathways based on waste (oils, agriculture, organic material, solid) contribute towards a circular economy and are necessary for a sustainable and hedged fuel supply. These pathways need to be assessed systematically, it said.
Stressing the need for urgent action on SAF adoption, the Authority added: “The aviation industry, regulators, investors, suppliers, and producers all need to take action and work together at the national level through the establishment of a national framework to meet net zero targets. SAF has a higher price than traditional jet fuel, and this will impact future airline expansion, possibly leading to additional costs per passenger based on the CO2 produced.”
Source: Oman Daily Observer
Date: 13 Oct 2023
