Qantas has announced plans to introduce biofuel for its Los Angeles-based services beginning in 2020. Over the next decade the airline intends to procure 30 million litres of blended jet fuel, composed of 50% renewable jet fuel produced from non-food plant oils and 50% conventional jet kerosene.
The blended fuel will be used on Qantas services between Los Angeles (LAX) and Melbourne (MEL). The carrier says the renewable component will reduce lifecycle carbon emissions per litre by roughly half compared with conventional jet fuel.
This initiative builds on Qantas’ earlier domestic biofuel trials conducted in 2012 and follows an agreement with U.S.-based biofuels producer SG Preston to supply the renewable component. By securing a long-term supply for its LAX–MEL route, Qantas aims to scale the use of sustainable aviation fuel on scheduled international services.
Gareth Evans, CEO of Qantas International and Freight, described the program as enabling Qantas to become the first Australian airline to use renewable jet fuel on an ongoing basis, reinforcing the carrier’s broader commitments to reduce carbon emissions across its operations.
Industry bodies have welcomed the deal. Michael Gill, Director of Environment at IATA, said agreements like this are important to foster a global aviation biofuel sector and help the industry meet its climate objectives.
Using blended sustainable aviation fuel on regular routes represents a practical step toward lowering greenhouse gas emissions from air travel while airlines, suppliers and regulators continue to work on scaling production, improving feedstock sustainability and ensuring cost-effective supply chains. Qantas’ LAX–MEL program is positioned as an early commercial deployment intended to encourage industry momentum and demonstrate the operational viability of renewable jet fuel in long‑haul passenger services.