Malaysia launches aviation decarbonisation plan

September 05, 2024

Malaysia has launched the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonization Blueprint (MADB) on Thursday to achieve net zero carbon emissions as early as 2050 for the international aviation sector. 
 
The country’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) said in a statement that the MADB sets decarbonization targets for the aviation sector according to four categories of mitigation measures established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): aircraft technology, operational improvements, the use of SAF, and carbon offsetting. 
 
The blueprint outlines a comprehensive approach to achieve emission reduction through the measures including targeting up to 18 percent reduction in emissions for aircraft technology by 2050. 
 
Other measures include striving for up to 5 percent reduction through better air traffic management and more efficient flight operations; aiming for up to 46 percent reduction through the increased use of biofuels and other sustainable alternatives; pursuing up to 30 percent reduction by adopting carbon offset schemes and purchasing carbon credits. 
 
According to the ministry, the MADB will serve as a reference for stakeholders in Malaysia to achieve net zero carbon emissions as early as 2050 for the aviation sector. 
 
However, the ministry said these targets depend on several factors, such as the status of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development in Malaysia and the implementation of carbon offset projects that meet the guidelines of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), which is the largest contributor to achieving the goal of net zero carbon emissions as early as 2050 for the international aviation sector. 
 
It noted that in line with these commitments and targets, several ministries will jointly develop related policies and initiatives. 
 
This includes the Ministry of Plantation and Commodities (MPC), which will lead the implementation of the national Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending mandate, while the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) will develop the National Carbon Market Policy. 
 
To monitor and review the implementation of the initiatives outlined in the MADB, a steering committee will be established and chaired by the Ministry of Transport. 
 
This committee will include representatives from various ministries, agencies, and stakeholders in the Malaysian aviation sector. 
 
At the same time, the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) will develop a State Action Plan to support the implementation of each initiative under the MADB. 
 
According to the statement, the development of the MADB demonstrates Malaysia’s commitment to supporting ICAO’s initiatives in addressing global climate change issues. 
 
This effort aligns with the MADANI economic framework, which also focuses on the potential of the green economy. 
 
It is noted that 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 by 2050 for international flights. 
 
The ministry sees the development of a policy with clear targets is crucial to align all mitigation measures currently undertaken by airlines more effectively. 
 
As a member state to the ICAO, it said Malaysia has committed to achieving the Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) of net zero carbon emissions as early as 2050 for the international aviation sector. 
 
“The aviation industry is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s economy, driving growth and connecting us to the world, 
 
“However, it is also a sector that poses significant challenges, especially in terms of decarbonization,” said Loke Siew Fook, the minister of Transport Malaysia. 
 
He said Malaysia must confront two critical challenges: meeting the growing demand for air travel; reducing the carbon footprint in alignment with global sustainability goals. 
 
According to him, in 2022, aviation emissions were estimated at 2 percent of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, growing faster in recent decades compared to