Airbus And Qantas Close To Making First Joint SAF Investment

Airbus and Qantas are reportedly close to making their first joint investment in Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The companies have been exploring the possibility of producing SAF in Australia for use in Qantas’ aircraft, which would significantly reduce the airline’s carbon emissions.

What is SAF and Why is it Important?

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a type of biofuel made from renewable sources such as agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and plant oils. SAF can be blended with traditional jet fuel to create a lower carbon alternative that can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of aviation.

The aviation industry is responsible for around 2% of global carbon emissions, and with air travel projected to increase in the coming decades, finding sustainable alternatives to traditional jet fuel is essential in reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.

Airbus and Qantas’ SAF Investment

Airbus and Qantas have been working together since 2019 on exploring the possibility of producing SAF in Australia. The companies have now reportedly reached an advanced stage in their negotiations and are close to making their first joint investment in SAF.

The investment is expected to focus on developing a commercial-scale production facility in Australia that will produce SAF for use in Qantas’ aircraft. The production facility is expected to have a capacity of around 200 million liters per year and would be the first of its kind in Australia.

According to Qantas, using SAF in its aircraft can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. The investment by Airbus and Qantas is part of the companies’ commitment to reducing the aviation industry’s impact on the environment.

The Future of SAF in Aviation

The production of SAF is still in its early stages, and the cost of producing it is currently higher than traditional jet fuel. However, with increased investment and economies of scale, the cost of SAF is expected to decrease in the coming years, making it a more viable alternative to traditional jet fuel.

Several airlines have already started using SAF, including United Airlines, KLM, and Delta. However, the use of SAF is still limited, and more investment and innovation are needed to increase its production and use in the aviation industry.

Final Thoughts

Airbus and Qantas’ joint investment in SAF is an exciting development in the aviation industry’s quest for more sustainable alternatives to traditional jet fuel. The investment represents a significant step towards reducing the industry’s carbon footprint and ensuring a more sustainable future for air travel.

While the production of SAF is still in its early stages, the increased investment and innovation in the field are encouraging signs. It is hoped that other airlines and aviation companies will follow Airbus and Qantas’ lead and invest in more sustainable alternatives to traditional jet fuel, ultimately reducing the industry’s impact on the environment.