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Air Link parent company Aviation Logistics Holdings says it will become the first general aviation firm in Australia to trial sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in its jet operations.
Aviation Logistics has partnered with Viva Energy to use the fuel, a blend of 91 per cent Jet A-1 and nine per cent synthetic blending component made from waste and residue feedstocks, in its Air Link and AirMed charter and aeromedical jet fleet.
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The SAF, imported from Europe, was manufactured using the hydrotreated esters and fatty acids or HEFA pathway process, and can be blended to a maximum ratio of 50 per cent.
“Air Link and AirMed are committed to reducing emissions and playing our part in meeting the Commonwealth Government’s net-zero targets. This trial is a great opportunity to demonstrate how we can make a real difference in aviation sustainability,” said Mark Wardrop, CEO and chief pilot at Air Link.
“I am not aware of any other general aviation business in Australia that has powered their aircraft using sustainable aviation fuel.
“It’s great that Aviation Logistics continues to play a leading role in the general aviation sector by progressing towards reduced emissions.”
Domestic aviation currently accounts for around 2 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Rob Cavicchiolo, carbon solutions manager at Viva Energy, said the partnership aims to set an example for the rest of the aviation industry.
“Viva Energy is committed to playing an important role through the future supply of sustainable aviation fuel to assist in reducing carbon emissions from the aviation sector,” he said.
“This partnership highlights how collaboration between suppliers and operators can drive positive change for the future of aviation and its decarbonisation journey.”
The move is another nod to sustainability for Aviation Logistics, which last year became the first civil aviation customer for AMSL Aero’s hydrogen-powered Vertiia VTOL aircraft.
The company in February 2024 signed a deal for 10 Vertiia aircraft with the option for 10 more, which could be in service starting from 2027 pending regulatory approval.
Vertiia, which has eight tilting wings and can carry up to four passengers plus a pilot, is capable of taking off from helipads or similar-sized landing sites and can conduct on-demand services between regional locations, at speeds of up to 300km/h with 250km battery or 1,000km hydrogen range. It is slated for commercial release in 2026.
