Fiji Airways leads initiative to produce sustainable aviation fuel from sugarcane by-products
Fiji Airways has launched a groundbreaking partnership with The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC) and Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC) to explore the feasibility of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Fiji.
The collaboration, backed by funding from The Asian Development Bank (ADB), could significantly enhance sustainability in aviation and agriculture across the Pacific, while creating new economic prospects for local farmers and communities.
The project’s objective is to determine whether Fiji can sustainably produce SAF using its sugarcane industry by-products, such as molasses, bagasse, sugar, and biomass. The potential for this initiative is vast, not only for Fiji but for the wider region. It aims to create a fully integrated SAF production model that capitalises on Fiji’s agricultural resources and the expertise of international leaders in bioenergy and sustainable fuels.
Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC), renowned globally for its work in biofuels and alternative energy, will lead the study to assess the technical and economic feasibility of converting Fiji’s sugarcane by-products into ethanol-based SAF. This process, known as alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) production, is a proven method of creating sustainable aviation fuel.
LEC’s CEO, Jason White, commented:
This collaboration is a testament to the power of partnerships in addressing global challenges such as climate change. By bringing together industry leaders and local stakeholders, we are not only advancing the production and use of sustainable aviation fuel but also promoting economic resilience and environmental stewardship in the Pacific.
The FSC, the largest sugar milling company in the South Pacific, plays a pivotal role in the project by providing the sugarcane-based feedstocks. These renewable and sustainable sources of biomass form the backbone of the SAF production effort. Meanwhile, Fiji Airways, committed to reducing its carbon footprint, sees this project as a significant step towards transitioning away from fossil fuels. As Fiji’s national carrier, it hopes to set a regional example for sustainable aviation.
Peter Seares, Fiji Airways’ Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, said:
This is a landmark project for Fiji and the South Pacific Region. The feasibility assessment will lay a foundation for Fiji’s national airline to meet its sustainability goals while utilising local resources that will help to reinvigorate and transform the domestic sugar industry, create new jobs, and improve the lives of Fijians.
This project is poised to deliver numerous benefits. Sugarcane’s rapid growth and high biomass yield make it an ideal feedstock for SAF, offering reduced carbon emissions, high productivity, and energy efficiency. By using sugarcane by-products, the production of SAF could significantly lower aviation’s carbon footprint, further supported by the energy efficiency of sugarcane ethanol production. Bagasse, a by-product of the sugar extraction process, can also be used as a bioenergy source, powering the SAF production itself, thereby minimising overall carbon emissions.
In the long term, this project could position Fiji as a leader in the production and use of SAF across the Pacific. The success of this initiative could serve as a replicable model for other regions, contributing to the global effort to reduce aviation emissions, promote sustainable agriculture, and create economic opportunities for local industries.
Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, remarked:
This project marks an exciting development for UK-based business travellers flying with Fiji Airways, as it signals the airline’s commitment to sustainability. The potential introduction of SAF aligns with the growing demand for greener travel options, benefitting not only Fijian communities but also our clients who are seeking more environmentally conscious choices in business travel.
To book flights on Fiji Airways, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.
