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Flying is one of the biggest sources of CO2 emissions and is responsible for around 2.5% of all man-made CO2 worldwide. Airlines like Qantas are all trying to demonstrate their environmental commitment. Going green is a massive challenge for airlines and there is much at stake with governments ready to tax airlines for their carbon footprint and travelers actively seeking out greener options. Travel agencies now provide emissions estimates with travel itineraries.

But it isn’t easy. Aircraft are built to fly on fossil fuel, and although they can operate on sustainable alternatives, there is simply not enough being produced to power more than a very small fraction of the world’s flights. For example, in 2022, 300 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel were made representing just 0.3 per cent of the airline industry’s total fuel consumption. Even as production levels increase it’s unlikely to keep pace with the growth in passenger demand. Also, these fuels require enormous amounts of energy to produce and significant investment. Electric aircraft are so far limited in size and range.

As well as using sustainable fuel there are other strategies airlines are employing to keep passengers flying whilst tackling CO2 emissions. One is to use new aircraft (from Boeing and Airbus) which are lighter and more fuel efficient. Another is carbon offsetting. This involves paying a little more for the flight, the proceeds of which will be used to fund a CO2 reduction project. Lastly is airline waste management when it comes to non-biodegradable commodities like single-use plastics.

Qantas is responding to meet environmental sustainability influences on its operations. The airline has secured a deal to establish Australia’s first dedicated sustainable aviation fuel refinery in Queensland as the Qantas strives to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Sugar cane waste and other agricultural by-products will be turned into jet fuel at the refinery in the hope the green fuel will make up 60 per cent of the airline’s fuel use. 

Qantas has been hampered by an aging fleet, but a multi-billion-dollar domestic fleet renewal will also help slash Qantas emissions. Qantas has a great carbon offset record. Its Future Planet scheme has managed to offset three million tonnes of carbon emissions from its flights since 2007. Recently the Australian airline committed to doubling the number of flights it offsets. Qantas also plans for zero single use plastics before 2027 by using products in composable or recycled packaging.

Source: Qantas off the starting block in race to go green with Australia’s first SAF refinery by R Ironside The Australian May 5th, The race to be the world’s greenest airline by R Ironside The Australian March 30th.