Virgin and Qatar Airways will become “key partners” on a project to create a new SAF production facility in North Queensland. The factory, located in the Charters Towers Region, aims to convert bioethanol derived from sugarcane grown onsite into aviation fuel. Virgin said the facility is expected to produce 96m litres of SAF each year, which will be supplied to nearby airports, with deliveries expected from early 2029. The project is being overseen by industry collaboration Renewable Developments Australia. Its managing director, Tony D’Alessandro, said it would deliver real, long-term emission reductions while building a new industry in regional Queensland. “Our Ethanol to Jet SAF facility in the Charters Towers Region will be a fully integrated production site, generating sustainable fuel from bioethanol derived from locally grown sugarcane,” he added. “Additionally, by repurposing by-products of the SAF production process to generate renewable power onsite, we are setting a new benchmark for sustainability in aviation fuel manufacturing.”<br/>
oneworld
Today, oneworld Alliance welcomes Fiji Airways (FJ), the flag carrier of Fiji and the South Pacific, as its newest member airline. Beginning April 1, 2025, FJ customers will have access oneworld benefits, including around 700 airport lounges, priority checking, and the ability to earn Tier points and redeem miles. The airline has adopted the oneworld member American Airlines (AA) AAdvantage travel rewards program as its frequent flyer program. The Nadi International Airport (NAN)-based airline flies a fleet of 23 aircraft to 25 destinations in 14 countries, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, and Dallas-Fort Worth hubs. Fiji Link (PI), the official domestic low-cost carrier of Fiji, also joins oneworld as an affiliate airline, adding regional connections to Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. “The introduction of Fiji Airways marks an important strategic step for our alliance as we connect even more people, places and experiences than ever before,” said Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld. “Fiji Airways customers will benefit from oneworld’s global reach of more than 900 destinations, priority services and premium lounge access, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to the oneworld family.”<br/>
Qantas on Sunday launched its new service from Darwin to Singapore, marking the carrier’s first direct flights between the two destinations in 19 years. The 737, VH-VZY, departed Darwin at 3:06pm on Sunday, 30 March, as flight QF113 and landed in Singapore at 6:03pm local time. The service will operate four times per week using 737s before switching to five times per week in October using newer A220s. “By adding over 70,000 new seats to the Singapore mega hub, this new route will open up more options for international visitors to make Darwin the first stop on their Australian itinerary,” Cam Wallace, the airline’s international CE, said. “2025 is a year of growth for Qantas and Jetstar in the NT, with over 180,000 extra seats and two new routes including Singapore with Qantas and the Gold Coast with Jetstar later this year.”<br/>