A feature of writing about aviation in 2023 was the constant news flow about an airline's first flight using sustainable aviation fuel. Given that everyone knows the engines have been cleared to run up to a 50% blend of renewable fuel, the flights seemed more about PR than any groundbreaking advancement. Time to shift to developing SAF production This year, there is a lot more focus on developing the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) , which is the real challenge facing aviation if it is to get anywhere near the industry target of net zero emissions by 2050.
Producing aviation fuel is not on any airline's strategic plan, but they can collaborate with people who can make it and make commitments to purchase SAF when it is available. One such airline is Fiji Airways , which yesterday announced an innovative collaboration with the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) and Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC) to evaluate the feasibility of SAF production in Fiji. Given that Fiji Airways and Fiji Link have just 21 aircraft, this is a fantastic example of an airline punching above its weight and an initiative larger carriers should take notice of rather than bemoan the lack of development in SAF availability.
For a smaller airline, Fiji Airways has developed a world-class Aviation Academy, with four more flight simulation devices unveiled yesterday. The study, funded by the Asian Development Bank, aims to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a comprehensive SAF production and uti.