Sustainable aviation fuel in Australia is taking flight as Virgin Australia and Viva Energy join forces to scale production and adoption of low-carbon jet fuel across the aviation sector.

Virgin Australia has entered an agreement with Viva Energy to source Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for its flights departing from Proserpine, Queensland, between March and July 2025.

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% synthetic blend component made from waste and residue feedstocks. The blend is fully compatible with existing aircraft and fueling infrastructure, as well as all regulatory and safety requirements.

Through this collaboration, Viva Energy will continue to expand its ability to supply SAF-blended jet fuel across Australia, utilizing its infrastructure assets while exploring regional SAF delivery, storage, and handling, as well as direct in-wing dispensing.

Commentary from Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, Christian Bennett, said the collaboration with Viva Energy is another step forward in Virgin Australia’s sustainability journey, which recognises the long-term importance of alternative fuels in reducing 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 collaboration, such as this one with Viva Energy, will be essential if we are to adopt SAF’s broader use in Australia successfully over the years and decades ahead.

Ensuring that SAF is affordable and accessible will be key to achieving the lowest-cost carbon abatement while maintaining the essential role of aviation in connecting Australian communities.

Commentary from Viva Energy

Viva Energy’s General Manager for Aviation, Nick Adams, said the initiative is a crucial step in establishing a consistent supply of SAF for air travel in regional Australia.

“SAF will play a bigger role for commercial airlines in this country as they move towards a more sustainable future,” he said.

Through this collaboration – drawing on Viva Energy’s national distribution network and experience in supplying high-quality fuels and supporting aviation operations – we will work with Virgin Australia to establish the supply chains that are critical to the future of the aviation industry. Viva Energy is also delighted to be helping a key partner like Virgin Australia in its sustainability journey.”

Commentary from Whitsunday Regional Council

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 situated 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 adopt innovative solutions that minimize our environmental impact.

Media Enquiries:

Michael Cave
T: +61 409 647 910
E: michael.cave@vivaenergy.com.au

Virgin Australia – Media Team
T: 1800 142 467
E: corporateaffairs@virginaustralia.com

About Virgin Australia

Founded in 2000 by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Australia is now one of the largest Australian airlines, operating an extensive domestic network as well as short-haul international services, charter, and cargo operations. The Group employs over 7,000 people and has been a leading competitor in the Australian aviation industry for 24 years. Virgin Australia is incredibly focused on providing exceptional travel experiences through award-winning service, flexibility to fly the way you want, and value with competitive airfare pricing.

About Viva Energy

Viva Energy (ASX: VEA) is a leading convenience retailer, commercial services provider, and energy infrastructure business, with a history spanning over 120 years in Australia. The Group operates a convenience and fuel network comprising almost 900 stores across Australia, supplying fuels and lubricants to a total network of nearly 1,500 service stations.

Viva Energy owns and operates the strategically located Geelong Refinery in Victoria. Its businesses include bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals, polymers, and lubricants, supported by more than 20 terminals and approximately 80 airports and airfields across the country. www.vivaenergy.com.au

SAF, when mentioned in the article, refers to Sustainable Aviation Fuel, a synthetic blending component blended with conventional Jet A-1 fuel to produce SAF Blend Jet A-1. The maximum blend rate percentage in the final product is specified and approved by the relevant annex in the ASTM D7566 standard and subsequently blended with conventional jet fuel. It is certified to ASTM D1655 (or Defence Standard 91-091) and supplied as traditional Jet A-1 fuel.

Australia’s SAF Journey Has Begun — Is Your Organization Ready to Lead the Shift?

The partnership between Virgin Australia and Viva Energy highlights the urgent need for sustainable aviation fuel infrastructure. However, scaling SAF requires robust technology, a secure supply chain, and circularity.

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