Australian airlines are working to cut emissions in line with reduction targets but without a local industry to produce the sustainable aviation fuels needed to do so, the cost of air travel was set to soar. But funding for a local SAF industry announced in the 2024-25 federal budget means airlines can now “remain competitive”. The aviation industry contributes 2.5 per cent of the world’s carbon, according to CSIRO, and it is also one of the most difficult industries to “decarbonise”.
It comes after the federal government set up the Australian Jet Zero Council to investigate ways to reduce aviation emissions. Queensland to take the lead Tourism and Transport Forum CEO Margy Osmond commended the funding and called it “critical” to keeping up with global aviation “Australia cannot afford to be left behind other developed countries which are prioritising support for SAF, like the USA, Europe, UK, Singapore, Japan and Canada,” Osmond said.