Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
A Business Implementation Study Workshop to promote sustainable aviation fuels in Zimbabwe is currently underway in Harare.
It is under the assistance of the International Civil Aviation Organisation-United Kingdom’s Capacity Building and Training Programme for Sustainable Aviation Fuels (ICAO-UK ACT-SAF).
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe board chairperson Mrs Nonkosi Ncube, Mr Cèsar Velarde from ICAO and other senior Government officials are attending the two-day workshop.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona will headline the workshop.
Explore potential in sustainable aviation fuels: Minister Mhona
Freeman Razemba
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Felix Mhona has said the business implementation study workshop presents an opportunity for stakeholders to explore the vast potential that is available in the sustainable aviation fuels sector.
Addressing stakeholders during the workshop, Minister Mhona, who was represented by Deputy Minister Joshua Sacco said: “We are here to explore the vast potential that exists within the sustainable aviation fuels sector.
“It is crucial to note the pivotal role that sustainable aviation fuels play in reducing our carbon footprint in line with the ongoing global efforts to combat the existential threat of climate change. As a country, we are no strangers to the effects of this global phenomenon.”
He said the ICAO Business Implementation Study to Zimbabwe that is being undertaken by the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development through the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe is a follow-up to the findings of the feasibility study that was carried out from April to September 2023.
Sustainable aviation fuels promote sustainable aviation: CAAZ
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe board chairperson Mrs Nonkosi Ncube has said the promotion of sustainable aviation fuels in Zimbabwe represents a critical step towards promoting aviation and addressing climate change challenges in the sector.
“Zimbabwe has been actively participating in various environmental protection initiatives in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 13-Climate Action,” she said.
“Our commitment to climate action is evident through our commitment to reducing carbon dioxide and fostering a sustainable aviation ecosystem.”
She said the ICAO Assistance Project, funded by the European Union under the Capacity Building for Carbon Dioxide Mitigation from International Aviation, is significant.
Mrs Ncube said the programme has supported 10 countries, including Zimbabwe, to ensure carbon reduction in aviation.
“Zimbabwe was selected for a feasibility study, which marks a significant milestone in our environmental journey,” she said.
“Sustainable aviation fuels hold enormous potential to transform the aviation industry and reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly,” she said.
Mrs Ncube said their objectives are as follows:
Assess Zimbabwe’s sustainable aviation fuels market potential
Develop a business case for sustainable aviation fuels investment
Identify policy and regulatory frameworks to support sustainable aviation fuels.
Air Zimbabwe excited about sustainable aviation fuels
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
Air Zimbabwe (Private) Limited chief executive officer Mr Edmund Makona has said Zimbabwe is one of the potential producers of sustainable aviation fuels, adding that this could reduce operational costs.
“Fuel is the biggest cost driver in aviation. Generally, it constitutes about 28 percent of the total operational cost at global level. So if we can focus on the biggest cost driver and reduce it, the aviation industry will be sustainable.
He said aviation fuel bills is around US$291 billion, which is an increase of about US$100 billion from last year.
“If Zimbabwe can produce sustainable aviation fuels and contribute at least 2 percent of US$291 billion, a lot of revenue will be raked in. This is a welcome development that dovetails with Vision 2030 and transforming Zimbabwe’s economy,” said Mr Makona.
He said the International Air Transport Association has come up with a four-pillar strategy in managing climate change.
“Aviation is contributing about 4 percent of carbon emissions, and the industry is committed to reducing that,” he said.
