Pertamina fuels Virgin Australia with SAF

Virgin Australia Airlines became the inaugural international airline to receive sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) services from the Ngurah Rai Aviation Fuel Terminal (AFT) in Bali, Indonesia, produced by Indonesian state-owned oil and natural gas corporation PT Pertamina.

PT Pertamina said that the distribution of SAF at Ngurah Rai Airport signifies Indonesia’s commitment to reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.

This SAF, produced from used cooking oil (UCO), offers an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional jet fuel.

“The moment of the first installation of SAF at Ngurah Rai Airport indicates that Indonesia can adapt to the energy demand of the international aviation industry, where SAF is currently a medium-term solution for aviation to reduce the carbon footprint, without requiring changes to aircraft, airport infrastructure…,” said Pusat dan Niaga, director of marketing Pertamina.

The company said that approximately 160 kiloliters of SAF were distributed to Virgin Australia’s Boeing 737 aircraft during the Bali International Airshow. The SAF is managed using the mass balance type chain of custody method, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of renewable fuel usage.

Pertamina’s commitment to sustainable aviation extends beyond this initial distribution. The company plans to expand its SAF production and distribution to meet growing global demand. This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

Pertamina earlier issued a tender to procure 150 kilolitres of (943 barrels) of neat SAF through isotanks or 3,500 kilolitres of blended SAF with a 30% neat SAF.