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 Defense 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 percent 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 percent* over the fuel’s life cycle, compared to using conventional jet fuel. Neste’s SAF is made from sustainably sourced, 100 percent 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.