Thursday 12 March 2026

New research commissioned by Sydney Airport shows strong public support for building a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry, with Australians recognising the opportunity to create regional jobs, support farmers and keep more of Australia’s natural resources and manufacturing capability at home.

Australia already produces many of the feedstocks needed to make SAF - from agricultural crops and residues to used cooking oil and household waste, yet much of this material is currently exported overseas to be processed into fuel.

Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said Australia has a significant opportunity to develop a new regional industry centred on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

“Locally producing SAF would reduce aviation emissions while creating jobs, supporting farmers, and strengthening Australia’s fuel security, and we continue to advocate for demand measures as part of the Australian Government’s $1.1 billion investment in low-carbon liquid fuels.

“The current conflict in the Middle East highlights the importance of mandates that attract global investment and secure a domestic fuel supply. Globally, SAF mandates are accelerating, and Australia must implement measures to boost domestic SAF production, using feedstock that would otherwise be exported.”

Public support for sustainable aviation fuel is also stronger than many people realise. Research conducted by Sydney Airport in early March, revealed that although awareness of SAF remains relatively low, especially among those who hadn’t flown in the past year, support rises to 60 percent of Australians once they understand what SAF is and how it functions.

Nearly 70 percent of Australians said they support the use of sustainable aviation fuel, and the majority said they would be willing to contribute small amounts through airline tickets to help accelerate its development.

There is also a clear preference for Australian-made fuel.

The strongest motivator for a domestic SAF industry is reducing aircraft emissions (57 percent), but Australians also recognise the value of:

• using renewable Australian resources (49 percent)
• climate and broader environmental benefits (48 percent)
• improved fuel security (45 percent)
• supporting Australian manufacturing (43 percent)
• job creation and economic growth (42 percent)

Support was higher among frequent flyers and business travellers. Environmental concern was also a contributing factor, with 48 percent of Australians reporting concerns about the environmental impact of aircraft fuel emissions.

The research also revealed a strong expectation for enhanced information and transparency, with respondents expressing greater confidence in SAF when given clear, fact-based explanations of its production process, the application of safety standards, and the methods used to achieve emissions reductions.

“Australians want to see this industry built here because they recognise the benefits for farmers, regional communities and Australia’s long-term fuel security,” Sydney Airport CEO Scott Charlton said.

“With global aviation demand continuing to grow, the window to establish a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry is now.

“Building fuel infrastructure takes time - often close to a decade from investment decision to production - so the opportunity is to start building that capability now and supporting regional economies.”

Sydney Airport is participating in the Bioenergy Australia Renewable Fuels Summit in Sydney this week, which brings together government, industry and investors to examine the role of renewable and low carbon liquid fuels in supporting emissions reduction, fuel security and domestic manufacturing.

Read the full report and Sydney Airport CEO, Scott Charlton’s speech here.