Qantas to conduct trials on biofuel flights as part of feasibility study
2012 04 19
- Details
AUSTRALIAN flag carrier Qantas has announced that it will conduct a feasibility study, starting from May, into the potential for an Australian sustainable aviation fuel industry, backed by government funding.
The announcement comes as the carrier embarked on the nation's first flight powered by sustainable aviation fuel from Sydney to Adelaide using a fuel type derived from recycled cooking oil.
Supplied by SkyNRG, the fuel type is a 50:50 blend of biofuel and conventional jet fuel certified for use in commercial aviation. Its life cycle carbon footprint is around 60 per cent smaller than that of conventional jet fuel, a statement from the carrier said.
Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the project would explore the conditions needed for the production of aviation biofuel from sustainable sources within Australia.
"Today is a historic occasion in Australian aviation," Mr Joyce said. "Alternatives to conventional jet fuel are vital to the aviation industry meeting ambitious targets for carbon-neutral growth and emissions reduction.
"Australia has the skills, resources and infrastructure to take a lead in this emerging sector, which the CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) has estimated could generate up to 12,000 jobs over the next 20 years. But there are also significant challenges, which is why we need to establish a clear plan.
"Until sustainable aviation fuel is produced commercially at a price competitive with conventional jet fuel, we will not be able to realise its true benefits. This study aims to tell us how that can be achieved in Australia," said Mr Joyce.
On April 19, the group's subsidiary airline Jetstar will power flights JQ705 and JQ706 from Melbourne to Hobart and back with the same fuel type used in the Qantas flights, which the group said underlines its commitment to sustainable aviation fuel.
Government funding for the study will be allocated under the Emerging Renewables Programme, while Shell will provide technical support.
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