Pertamina’s SAF supplied to Virgin Australia

PT Pertamina Patra Niaga is expanding its distribution of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with a new carrier Virgin Australia Airlines utilising its SAF.
Approximately 160 kilolitres of SAF was supplied to Virgin Australia's Boeing 737 for two days of services out of Bali International Airport I Gusti Ngurah Rai, from September 18 to 19.
“The first SAF delivery at Ngurah Rai Airport signifies that Indonesia can adapt to the energy mix demands in the international aviation industry, where SAF is currently a medium-term solution for flights to reduce carbon footprint without requiring changes to aircraft, airport infrastructure, or jet fuel supply chains,” said Riva Siahaan, president director of Pertamina Patra Niaga.
Riva added that the SAF supplied complies with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) framework for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the Renewable Energy Directive-European Union (RED-EU).
Fiona Walmsley, general manager of sustainability at Virgin Australia, said this collaboration was symbolic of Virgin Australia’s commitment to reduce its carbon emissions intensity by 22 per cent by 2030, and a commitment to target net zero emissions by 2050.
“SAF is a critical enabler to helping reduce the carbon emissions of the aviation sector. We are pleased to be able to showcase the safety, effectiveness and efficiency of using SAF as part of our short-haul international operations,” Ms Walmsley said.
“For Australia, one of the most difficult hurdles to overcome is the availability of affordable SAF within our country.
“By working together on this initiative, Pertamina has helped to bridge the gap for us but ultimately we need the support from many areas within the Australian and international aviation industry to ensure an ongoing, reliable and affordable SAF operation at Virgin Australia.”