The Royal Australian Air Force’s aerobatic display team Roulettes flies on SAF for the first time supported by Neste, Viva Energy and Vitol
Neste Corporation, News, 27 November 2023
Photo: The Air Force Roulettes performing the aerobatic display using SAF. Source: Australian Department of Defence
During the Williamtown Air Show in Australia, the Roulettes, the Royal Australian Air Force's aerobatic display team, performed a first public display using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™. This is an important first step for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it looks at how it can reduce its environmental impact by using more sustainable fuel to cut its carbon emissions.
The Neste-produced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) used for this flight was supplied to the ADF by Viva Energy, an Australian energy company and the ADF’s strategic fuel partner, in cooperation with Neste and Vitol, a leading global energy and commodities company. The SAF was blended with conventional jet fuel at a 30% ratio before use, meeting current jet fuel specifications.
The Roulettes performed the display using SAF on their Pilatus PC-21 aircraft, one of the most advanced military training aircraft in the world. The Williamtown Air Show is held at the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base Williamtown, north of Sydney in Australia, and gives visitors an insight into the base, people, aircraft and military capabilities of the Australian Defence Force and the aviation sector.
“This is an important milestone as the ADF moves towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Viva Energy is very proud of the role it is playing in supporting the ADF via the safe and reliable supply of traditional fuels as well as assisting them with the transition to sustainable aviation fuels that do not compromise capability. To do that, we are collaborating with highly specialized SAF manufacturers like Neste and utilizing our own extensive supply chain network and operational expertise to deliver these products for the ADF,” said Richard Xin, Viva Energy’s Defence Business Manager.
“Neste is fully committed to supporting the aviation industry to achieve its net-zero carbon emissions goal. This flight by the Roulettes shows that SAF can also play a key role in reducing the emissions from military aviation while ensuring reliable operations. Working closely together with partners like Viva Energy and Vitol helps us to accelerate the supply and usage of sustainable aviation fuel across their customer base, and we look forward to expanding our cooperation,” said Sami Jauhiainen, Vice President APAC from the Renewable Aviation business at Neste.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel
SAF is a renewable aviation fuel providing a more sustainable alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using conventional jet fuel. Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100% renewable waste and residue raw materials, such as used cooking oil and animal fat waste. SAF is blended with conventional jet fuel before use and works seamlessly with existing aircraft engines and fueling infrastructure.
*) When used in neat form (i.e. unblended) and calculated with established life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, such as CORSIA methodology.
Further information:
Neste: Please contact Neste's media service, tel. +358 800 94025 / media@neste.com (weekdays from 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. EET). Please subscribe to Neste’s releases at https://www.neste.com/for-media/releases-and-news/subscribe.
Vitol: Please contact Michael Cave, tel +61 409 647 910 / michael.cave@vivaenergy.com.au
Neste in brief
Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates solutions for combating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. The company refines waste, residues and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstock for plastics and other materials.
As the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel and a forerunner in developing renewable and circular feedstock solutions for polymers and chemicals, Neste helps its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030.
The company’s ambition is to make the Porvoo oil refinery in Finland the most sustainable refinery in Europe by 2030. Neste is committed to reaching carbon-neutral production by 2035, and will reduce the carbon emission intensity of sold products by 50% by 2040. Neste has also set high standards for biodiversity, human rights and the supply chain. The company has consistently been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies. In 2022, Neste's revenue stood at EUR 25.7 billion. Read more: neste.com
About Viva Energy
Viva Energy (ASX: VEA) is one of Australia’s leading energy companies and supplies approximately a quarter of the country’s liquid fuel requirements. It is the exclusive supplier of high-quality Shell fuels and lubricants in Australia through an extensive network of more than 1,330 service stations across the country.
Viva Energy owns and operates the strategically located Geelong Refinery in Victoria, and operates bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals, polymers and lubricants businesses supported by more than 50 terminals and 55 airports and airfields across the country. www.vivaenergy.com.au
About Vitol
Vitol is a global leader in the energy sector with a presence across the spectrum: from oil through to power, renewables and carbon. We trade and distribute energy safely and responsibly around the world using our logistical expertise and infrastructure network. Vitol’s clients include national oil companies, multinationals, leading industrial companies and utilities. Founded in Rotterdam in 1966, today Vitol serves clients from some 40 offices worldwide and is invested in energy assets globally, including 17 m m3 of storage globally, circa 500 k b/d of refining capacity, more than 7,000 service stations and a growing portfolio of transitional and renewable energy assets. Revenues in 2022 were $505 billion. For more information: www.vitol.com
