Qantas has announced it will conduct a feasibility study into the potential of an Australian sustainable aviation fuel industry, backed by funding from the Federal Government after the company conducted a successful test flight of an Airbus A330 fueled by a 50-50 blend of biofuel and regulat jet fuel.

 

The Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said the $500,000 Emerging Renewables Program grant would see Qantas partner with Shell Australia to undertake a feasibility study into the long-term viability of biofuel feedstock and the production of low carbon alternative aviation fuels in Australia.

 

"The study will also investigate the opportunity to use existing refining plant and fuel distribution infrastructure for aviation biofuel production," Minister Ferguson 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. “We are delighted to be operating Australia’s first sustainable aviation fuel flights and to be launching a study into the feasibility of producing such fuel in this country.”

 

“Alternatives to conventional jet fuel are vital to the aviation industry meeting ambitious targets for carbon-neutral growth and emissions reduction.