Fiji Airways has unveiled a new partnership with the Fiji Sugar Corporation and Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC) to explore the feasibility of producing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Fiji. The airline highlighted that this initiative could enhance sustainable aviation and agriculture in the Pacific region, while also generating new economic opportunities for local farmers and communities.
Supported by funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), this collaboration intends to assess the possibility of developing a comprehensive model for SAF production and utilization in Fiji. The plan aims to utilize local agricultural resources, combined with cutting-edge international expertise, alongside Fiji’s national airline.
The study will focus on utilizing sugar cane and its by-products for ethanol production and other energy sources. Specifically, it will examine molasses, sugar, bagasse, and biomass as potential raw materials for SAF.
Jason White, CEO of LEC, emphasized the importance of partnerships in tackling global issues like climate change. He stated that the collaboration would not only promote the production and usage of sustainable aviation fuel but also foster economic resilience and environmental sustainability in the Pacific region.
LEC has gathered a team of bioenergy industry experts for this initiative, and they are enthusiastic about developing a roadmap for the economic and technical feasibility of realizing this important sustainability goal.
Fiji Airways’ Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, Peter Seares, described the project as a significant milestone for Fiji and the wider South Pacific area. He noted that the feasibility study would provide a basis for the national airline to achieve its sustainability objectives while utilizing local resources, which would rejuvenate the domestic sugar industry, create jobs, and enhance the livelihoods of Fijians.