AirAsia Philippines reinforces its decarbonization commitment, adopting Combo Units (AC and GPU combined) for ground operations. This is a new addition to its ground service equipment aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
The implementation of Combo Units in the Philippines marks a crucial step in localizing AirAsia Aviation Group’s regional push for lower-carbon operations. Furthermore, AirAsia Philippines is the second airline in the group to introduce this cutting-edge ground support technology at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport. After all, this follows a successful rollout in Malaysia.
The Combo Units provide aircraft on the ramp with sufficient electrical and air-cooling capabilities during pre-flight and transit. The technology cuts ground emissions by up to 90% under optimal use by reducing reliance on the aircraft’s auxiliary power unit (APU). This and all while maintaining a comfortable boarding experience for passengers. The measure also helps reduce air and noise pollution on the ramp. With this, it leads to better working conditions for baggage handlers and ground technicians.
The two Combo Units are expected to deliver an estimated 1,300 tonnes of CO₂ reduction each year.
Capt. Suresh Bangah, CEO of AirAsia Philippines, said: Our efforts to reduce emissions go hand in hand with improving the travel experience of our guests. The Combo Units not only lower our fuel consumption and carbon footprint but also ensure our guests remain comfortable while the aircraft is at the ramp, ready for their purposeful journey.
This initiative complements AirAsia Philippines’ fuel efficiency program. In 2024, it saved 3,851 tonnes of fuel, avoiding 12,169 tonnes of CO₂. These fuel efficiency measures delivered an improvement in AirAsia Philippines’ carbon intensity. The airline’s CO₂/ASK dropped 1.2g to 73.9g due to efficiency improvements, the biggest contribution. Meanwhile, carbon dioxide per revenue passenger kilometer (CO₂/RPK) fell by 3.1g to 82.8g due to higher load factors.
Improving Cabin Waste Management
AirAsia Philippines’ sustainability efforts extend well beyond low-emission ground technology to practice a circularity approach in its in-flight services.
- Waste Diversion. The airline actively segregates and processes waste from in-flight services to minimize its impact on landfills. This diverts 37% of the total in-flight waste from landfills last year.
- Green Packaging. Santan Philippines, the airline’s in-flight food and beverage partner, is working to shift from single-use plastics to polylactic acid (PLA) packaging from October 2026. This compostable alternative, derived from renewable sources such as corn and cassava, significantly reduces plastic waste and further supports more sustainable operations.
Global Recognition
AirAsia’s commitment to environmental responsibility has consistently earned recognition on the global stage. Hence, this year, recognitions include:
- AirlineRatings.com inaugural Sustainability Award. The rating agency’s first sustainability award recognized AirAsia as a top three winner in the Low-Cost Carriers category.
- 42kft.com’s first Environmental Audit. The recognition placed AirAsia among only 25 top-performing carriers out of 142 airlines evaluated worldwide. Specifically, this underscores the effectiveness and scale of its environmental initiatives; PAA, for example, earned a perfect 10/10 score in the platform’s comprehensive data-driven sustainability audit.
These efforts show AirAsia Philippines integrating sustainability into all operations, steering growth towards Net Zero by 2050.
