The FINANCIAL -- Qantas on November 2 announced that it had formally joined the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG), a bipartisan industry group established to accelerate the development and commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said Qantas' involvement in the group was recognition of the airline's commitment to environmental sustainability initiatives.

"Through the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group we are joining other industry partners to work together to lessen the environmental impact of aviation," he said.

"Qantas is also looking at ways to save fuel and reduce carbon emissions, and is pioneering Required Navigational Performance (RNP), which uses leading edge technology to land aircraft efficiently.

"It is initiatives such as these, and the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group, where airlines are working together to develop technology that will lead to a more environmentally sustainable industry."

SAFUG members must pledge that any sustainable aviation fuel will:

* perform as well as, or better than, traditional kerosene-based fuel, but with a smaller carbon lifecycle

* use only renewable fuel sources that minimise biodiversity impacts and require minimal land, water, and energy to produce and that do not compete with food or fresh water resources

* provide socioeconomic value to local communities where biomass is grown.

Qantas is also an active member of the regional branch of SAFUG that is looking at issues specific to the Australian and New Zealand environmental context.

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