Pelita Air, a subsidiary of Pertamina, the state energy behemoth, is flying high. They’re working to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from palm oil. In the Asia-Pacific region, the airline has forged partnerships with the likes of Pertamina and other Indonesian carriers. Combined, they’re testing cutting-edge, cleaner fuel to increase sustainability in the aviation industry. This project is an example of Indonesia’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions. It lays the groundwork for actively promoting renewable energy sources in the country’s quickly growing aviation sector.
To meet customer demand in recent months, Pelita Air has teamed up with Garuda Indonesia and Citilink. In tandem, they are trialing palm oil-based sustainable aviation fuel together. These tests are essential for determining the degree to which the fuel can be used commercially. The aviation sector is already urgently pursuing greener alternatives to conventional fossil fuel to power planes. The partnership with Pertamina shines light on the need to maximize local assets to develop long-term, sustainable solutions for aviation.
The testing process involves rigorous evaluations to ensure that the palm oil-derived SAF meets safety and performance standards required for commercial flights. Pelita Air’s involvement in this initiative highlights the airline’s commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation within the industry. By incorporating sustainable practices, Pelita Air intends to be a role model for other airlines in Indonesia and outside the country.
With Indonesia’s plentiful palm oil resources, it’s become a leader in producing sustainable aviation fuel. And global demand for greener alternatives is climbing fast. In return, the country is advocating for greater use of palm oil in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to further global initiatives against climate change. The collaboration between Pelita Air and Pertamina not only supports the airline’s sustainability goals but contributes to the national agenda of promoting renewable energy.
That testing phase will be ongoing over the next few months. Our timescale for commercialization is in two to three years. If proven successful, results from these trials could pave the way for broader SAF adoption within Indonesia’s aviation industry. This change would almost completely eliminate the carbon emissions associated with air travel.