The Island of Vatulele is the first aircraft in Fiji Airways’ history to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Landing at the Nadi International Airport yesterday, the Airbus A350-900 XWB was powered by a blend of conventional jet fuel and SAF.
Fiji Airways managing director and CEO Andre Viljoen said SAF was a biofuel that had similar properties to jet fuel but with a much smaller carbon footprint.
“This means that it has less impact on the environment,” Mr Viljoen said.
“This inaugural SAF powered flight demonstrates Fiji Airways commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and ensuring a sustainable future for aviation.
“As the national carrier of a small developing state we are acutely aware of the need for urgent action to combat climate change.” He said most of the airline’s carbon emissions were generated by using conventional jet fuel.
“So to meaningfully reduce our carbon footprint means we must embrace using a SAF blend going forward.
“Sustainable aviation fuel is produced from sustainable materials and produced up to 80 per cent less carbon emissions than conventional jet fuel.
“By using SAF, Fiji Airways and all airlines can make a significant contribution to the fight against climate change.
“For the remainder of this year on various flights out of Singapore we will use a SAF blend and discussions have already begun with suppliers to secure more SAF fuel from 2024 onwards.”
Mr Viljoen said SAF was only available in very limited supply and was significantly more expensive.
“The demand for this fuel from global airline industry far exceeds the current supply and as a result the price is eight to 10 times higher than conventional jet fuel. “So overtime we hope that as more supply becomes abundant the prices will drop.”