Australia has taken a significant step towards decarbonising its aviation sector. Fuel company Ampol imported nearly two million litres of neat Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking the largest commercial import of this fuel type into Australia to date. The shipment arrived on May 7, 2025, from Malaysia at Ampol’s Kurnell terminal in New South Wales, Australia.
Fuel Distribution and Operational Use
The imported SAF is now being blended with conventional jet fuel at an approximate ratio of 18%. This blend will then undergo a testing and certification process. Following successful certification, the SAF will be integrated into the supply chain at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD). In the coming weeks, this fuel will begin powering Qantas and Jetstar departures from the airport.
Significant Emissions Reduction with Sustainable Fuel
This import of blended SAF could enable up to 900 Qantas and Jetstar Boeing 737 flights from Sydney to Auckland. It is estimated this will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 3,400 tonnes, equivalent to the annual emissions of around 800 passenger cars.
Economic Benefits and Job Creation in Australia
Domestic production of sustainable aviation fuel presents a significant economic opportunity for Australia. If local SAF production is successfully established, it could contribute approximately AUD 13 billion (around USD 8.4 billion) annually to the Australian economy by 2040. Furthermore, it could stimulate the creation of nearly 13,000 jobs, for example, in supply chains, and an additional 5,000 positions for the construction and operation of production facilities.
The Key Role of Industry-Government Collaboration
Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson emphasised the importance of collaboration between the private sector and the government: “Developing a domestic sustainable aviation fuel industry is an essential part of our efforts to decarbonise air travel. It also strengthens Australia’s energy security and contributes to the creation of thousands of new jobs in our economy.”
Vanessa Hudson also noted that Qantas, as Australia’s national carrier, plays a key role in reducing aviation’s environmental impact. However, she added that achieving this goal will require close cooperation and coordinated support from the government.
Virgin Australia Also Moving Towards Cleaner Fuels
The transition to SAF is not limited to Qantas. For instance, Virgin Australia recently announced a partnership with Viva Energy to supply sustainable aviation fuel for at least a portion of its flights. This move underscores a broader trend of carriers actively pursuing more environmentally friendly operational alternatives.
Australia: A Leader in Sustainable Aviation Fuel Adoption
Current activities related to SAF imports and future domestic production indicate that Australia is charting a clear course towards sustainability in the aviation industry. The combination of environmental, economic, and social benefits makes sustainable aviation fuel a promising solution that could significantly shape the future of the aviation sector, not only in Australia but potentially across the entire region.
Source: AeroTime
