Fiji Airways has announced an innovative collaboration with The Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited (FSC) and Lee Enterprises Consulting (LEC) to evaluate the feasibility of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production in Fiji.

This initiative has the potential to support sustainable aviation and agriculture in the Pacific region, as well as to create new economic opportunities for local farmers and communities in Fiji.

Funded by The Asian Development Bank (ADB), this collaboration aims to evaluate the feasibility of establishing a comprehensive SAF production and utilization model in Fiji that leverages available local agricultural resources, international cutting-edge expertise, and Fiji’s dynamic national airline.

The study will evaluate the use of sugar cane and its waste products as inputs to ethanol production and additional sources of energy, which can subsequently be processed into SAF. The study will evaluate molasses, sugar, bagasse, and biomass as potential feedstocks for SAF production.

Fiji Airways Chief Legal and Sustainability Officer, Peter Seares, said: “This is a landmark project for Fiji and the South Pacific Region.

“The feasibility assessment will lay a foundation for Fiji’s national airline to meet its sustainability goals while utilizing local resources that will help to reinvigorate and transform the domestic sugar industry, create new jobs, and improve the lives of Fijians.”