On September 18, 2024, PT Pertamina Patra Niaga commenced the distribution of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in collaboration with Virgin Australia Airlines during the Bali International Air Show. Approximately 160 kiloliters of SAF were supplied to a Boeing 737 for two days of service from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali.
Riva Siahaan, CEO of Pertamina Patra Niaga, stated that this delivery signifies Indonesia's adaptation to the energy mix demands in the international aviation industry. SAF is currently considered a medium-term solution to reduce carbon footprints without necessitating changes to aircraft, airport infrastructure, or jet fuel supply chains.
The SAF supplied meets the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) framework for the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and the Renewable Energy Directive of the European Union (RED-EU). It adheres to international standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) and is certified as a CORSIA Eligible Fuel (CEF) that can be claimed to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
The SAF consists of 38.43% synthetic kerosene derived from used cooking oil and 61.57% conventional jet fuel, which helps in reducing emissions from fossil fuels. Fiona Walmsley, Virgin Australia's General Manager of Sustainability, emphasized that this collaboration symbolizes the airline's commitment to reducing carbon intensity by 22% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Walmsley highlighted that SAF is crucial for decreasing emissions in the aviation sector and expressed the need for affordable SAF availability in Australia. She noted that while Pertamina's initiative helps bridge the gap, broader industry support is essential for ensuring sustainable, reliable, and affordable SAF operations.
Virgin Australia operates routes from Denpasar to Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, and Gold Coast. The SAF distribution at Ngurah Rai's Fuel Terminal employs a mass balance supply chain method, allowing conventional jet fuel and renewable SAF to be mixed in the same tank while maintaining separate accounting for each.
This initiative marks a significant commitment from PT Pertamina Patra Niaga to promote energy transition in the aviation sector and support Indonesia's target of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2060.