VIRGIN Australia has entered an agreement with Viva Energy to source Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for its flights departing from Proserpine, between March and July 2025.
This makes Whitsunday Coast Airport the first regional airport in Australia to operate regular flights using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
SAF, produced from renewable resources such as waste oils, agricultural residues, and non-food crops, is considered a critical game-changer in the aviation industry’s efforts to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
This reflects SAF’s significantly lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions profile, compared to that of conventional jet fuel.
Under the terms of the agreement, Viva Energy will provide Virgin Australia with SAF consisting of Jet A1 and a 30- 40 per cent synthetic blend component, made from waste and residue feedstocks.
The blend is fully compatible with existing aircraft and fuelling infrastructure, and all regulatory and safety requirements.
Through this collaboration, Viva Energy will continue to expand its ability to supply SAF-blended jet fuel across Australia, utilising its infrastructure assets, while exploring regional SAF delivery, storage and handling, and direct in-towing dispensing.
Whitsunday Regional Council Mayor Ry Collins has welcomed the introduction of SAF at Whitsunday Coast Airport, calling it a ‘perfect fit’ given the region’s deep connection to the Great Barrier Reef and its commitment to sustainable tourism.
“It makes absolute sense that Virgin Australia would choose Whitsunday Coast Airport as the launch site for its first ongoing SAF-powered services,” Mayor Collins said.
“We are committed to driving initiatives locally that produce world-class bio-products, so I applaud Virgin Australia and Viva Energy for their commitment to SAF and for recognising the Whitsundays as an ideal location to showcase the benefits of sustainable aviation.
“We are located in one of the most pristine and ecologically significant regions in the world and, as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, we have a responsibility to embrace innovative solutions that reduce our environmental footprint.”
Virgin Australia Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer Christian Bennett said the collaboration with Viva Energy was another step forward in Virgin Australia’s sustainability journey, which recognises the long-term importance of alternative fuels to reduce carbon emissions.
“SAF represents the critical long-term opportunity in commercial aviation’s pursuit of its 2050 net zero emissions ambition,” he said.
“Partnership, focused policy development, and collaborations such as this with Viva Energy, will be essential if we are to adopt successfully SAF’s broader use in Australia, over the years and decades ahead.
“Ensuring SAF is affordable and accessible will be key to achieving lowest cost carbon abatement, at the same time as maintaining the essential role of aviation in connecting Australian communities.”
• SAF is considered the most viable long-term solution for decarbonisation of the aviation industry, however, it is currently both cost prohibitive and volumetrically scarce to deploy more broadly.
• As the technology and production capacity for SAF continue to advance, its cost and availability are expected to improve subject to a range of factors, including feedstock costs and policy incentive settings.
• Initiatives like the one by Viva Energy and Virgin Australia are designed to demonstrate the operational feasibility and benefits of SAF.
