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 other transportation sectors such as rail, road, or shipping.
“If we continue on our current path, Malaysia’s aviation CO2 emissions could reach 25 million tons by 2050, with domestic flights contributing up to 30 percent of the total emission,” he warned.
He said the MADB provides a strategic framework to decarbonize the aviation sector and advance Malaysia’s green economy.
According to him, airlines are at the forefront of decarbonizing the aviation sector, as over 90 percent of carbon emissions is generated during the commission of a flight.
He noted that airlines have four main avenues for reducing emissions: adopting newer, more efficient aircraft technologies, enhancing operational efficiencies, utilizing SAF, and engaging in market-based measures such as purchasing carbon credits.
He also highlighted that 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 tons annually in Malaysian airspace alone, he explained.
He said 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,
“Another aspect of airports that impacts airlines is their use of and ability to supply green energy alternatives such as SAF, biodiesel and clean electricity,” he noted.
He opined that these are essential for airlines to fly greener and convert to e-ground equipment such as baggage trolleys, push-back vehicles and ground power units.
According to him, SAF is pivotal to reducing aviation emissions, and they are committed to developing a comprehensive national strategy for its production and use.
He noted this strategy will be developed and spearheaded by the MPC and the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry (MITI), in alignment with our National Energy Transition
Roadmap (NETR) and the New Industry Master Plan (NIMP) 2030.
In addition to SAF, he said Malaysia must establish a National Carbon Market Strategy to support economy-wide decarbonization efforts through market mechanisms.
This initiative will be spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), he added.
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