Rethinking Jet Fuel in the Age of Climate Consciousness
In the global movement toward decarbonisation, few sectors face as formidable a challenge as aviation. High energy density requirements and global mobility needs have made it difficult to reduce emissions without compromising operational efficiency. Yet, an emerging solution is offering a credible path forward: Sustainable Aviation Fuel, or SAF.
Unlike conventional jet fuels, SAF is derived from renewable sources—such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and non-food biomass. What makes SAF particularly transformative is its compatibility with existing aircraft and fuelling infrastructure. This allows it to be adopted without significant operational disruption, which is a critical advantage in a sector where safety and consistency are non-negotiable.
Why SAF Matters: More Than Just a Drop-In Fuel
The benefits of SAF extend far beyond its green credentials. SAF can reduce lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80 percent when compared to traditional jet fuel. This makes it one of the most effective tools available for helping aviation reach its net-zero target by 2050.
Because SAF blends can be used in today’s aircraft without any modifications, they offer a practical and scalable way to decarbonise flights in the short- to medium-term. More importantly, SAF enables airlines to maintain their connectivity and economic contributions while progressing toward environmental benchmarks.
An Australian Milestone: SAF Takes Off from Proserpine
A noteworthy example of SAF in action comes from Queensland. In a landmark move, Viva Energy has partnered with Virgin Australia to supply SAF for a series of flights departing from Proserpine Airport between March and July 2025.
This partnership signifies more than just a supply contract. It is an operational demonstration of how SAF can be embedded into routine flight schedules. The blend used in these flights includes 30 to 40 percent synthetic fuel derived from waste and residue feedstocks, ensuring that environmental benefits are realised without compromising performance or safety.
The Economics of Scale: Affordability Through Collaboration
One of the primary challenges in SAF adoption has been cost. As a newer fuel type with limited production infrastructure, SAF is currently more expensive than conventional jet fuel. This is where collaborations like the one between Viva Energy and Virgin Australia become pivotal.
By piloting SAF in commercial settings, these stakeholders are gathering crucial data and laying the groundwork for economies of scale. Greater uptake and diversified production pathways could drive down costs over time, making SAF not only a sustainable choice but also a competitive one.
Infrastructure Investment: Preparing for Tomorrow’s Demand
Realising the full potential of SAF requires more than feedstock and intent—it demands infrastructure. To this end, Viva Energy has secured 2.39 million Australian dollars in funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. This funding will be used to refurbish an existing fuel tank at the Pinkenba Terminal, converting it into dedicated SAF storage for Brisbane Airport.
This is a significant move. It signals the shift from pilot projects to scalable supply chains. By integrating SAF into existing pipeline distribution systems, stakeholders are future-proofing aviation fuel logistics and enabling greater accessibility across the network.
Innovation in Tracking: The Book-and-Claim System
Adopting SAF at scale also requires transparent accounting. To address this, Viva Energy is introducing a book-and-claim system. This mechanism allows sustainability certificates to be traded independently of physical SAF deliveries, enabling companies to claim environmental benefits even when direct SAF usage is not feasible.
The approach is especially useful for international carriers and corporations looking to support decarbonisation without logistical constraints. In effect, it makes the sustainability impact of SAF more universally accessible.
The Strategic Outlook: Why This Matters for the Industry
The partnership between Viva Energy and Virgin Australia—and the associated infrastructure and certification mechanisms—demonstrate a comprehensive vision for SAF adoption. It is not just about fuel. It is about building a commercially viable, environmentally aligned aviation system that can scale.
As Nick Adams, General Manager for Aviation at Viva Energy, aptly points out, SAF will play an increasingly important role for commercial airlines aiming to meet both regulatory expectations and growing consumer demand for responsible travel.
Conclusion: A Collective Ascent Towards Sustainable Flight
The trajectory of SAF is not merely a technical evolution—it is a systems-level transformation. From feedstock to fuel tank, from airport to airspace, the integration of SAF is a testament to what is possible when industry, innovation, and policy align.
These developments are not isolated. They are signposts in a larger journey toward sustainable air travel. As more airports, fuel suppliers, and airlines align on this front, the feasibility of net-zero aviation becomes less a vision and more a grounded strategy.
The road ahead will require continued investment, cross-sector collaboration, and transparent governance. But the groundwork is being laid, flight by flight, litre by litre.