Qantas has said that sustainability remains a ‘key priority’ for the airline group, adding that it has committed more than AU$100 million to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other decarbonisation projects.
The Australian carrier recently expanded its SAF uptake from Los Angeles, with a commitment to use more than 100 million litres of SAF over the next three years.
In its full-year results announcement, Qantas said that it also recently invested AU$15 million in ClimateTech Partners, a venture capital fund that supports climate-focused businesses and projects.
The airline made the investments through its AU$400 million Climate Fund, it noted.
SAF imports
On the domestic front, a partnership with Sydney Airport and a number of large corporate customers enabled the ‘largest ever importation of SAF into the country’, Qantas said, a move that served as a test of Sydney’s fuel infrastructure and demonstrated industry commitment in developing a local SAF supply chain, as well as supportive policy to enable greater SAF production in Australia.
Qantas has also made adjustments to its Voluntary Carbon Program, with some 70% of its carbon portfolio now comprised of nature-based products, and half of that linked to an Australia-based project.
Elsewhere, Qantas has also expanded its community partnerships, signing a new four-year agreement with Surf Life Saving Australia and a three-year partnership with the Australian Red Cross, as well as donating some AU$2 million in grants to regional community groups.
Group performance
The group reported a 15% increase in underlying profit before tax for the full year, to AU$2.39 billion, and said that it expects ‘ongoing strong travel demand’ into at least the first half of its current financial year.
“For everyone across the Qantas Group, this year has been all about delivery,” commented CEO Vanessa Hudson. “While we are pleased with the progress we are making, we remain focused on further improving our performance and continuing to deliver for our customers, people and shareholders.” Read more here.
