A group of Indigenous secondary school students now have a greater understanding of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and the environmental benefits and career opportunities it offers, following an education module delivered by SAF pioneers Jet Zero and Airbus.
The interactive session entitled ‘Regions to the Runway: Exploring Sustainable Aviation Fuel' introduced the science of SAF to NRL Cowboys House students who are participating in the Raising Horizons program.
Jet Zero Australia Sustainability Manager Jackie Mason said the session used fun and educational experiments to ignite ideas about clean skies and future careers.
“This module was about helping the students understand aviation isn’t just about being a pilot, that there is this thing called SAF, and a whole supply chain they could be a part of in the future,” she said.
“We were extremely impressed by the students’ curiosity and enthusiasm about aviation and especially the environmental benefits of SAF.
“As a proud Supporting Partner of the Career Transitions Program at the House, Jet Zero is passionate about helping guide these young people as they prepare for further study and employment after high school.
“They now have a greater understanding of what SAF is, how it’s made, and what we’re trying to achieve, with partners like Airbus, through the new world-class refinery we’re building right here in Cleveland Bay, Townsville.”
SAF can be commercially and sustainably produced from agricultural by-products, reducing CO₂ lifecycle emissions by potentially more than 70% when compared to traditional jet fuel.
Current aircraft can fly on up to 50% SAF blend with global testing ongoing to eliminate the need for fossil-base jet fuel altogether.
- The environmental benefits of SAF, and undertook a CO₂ experiment using balloons
- Feedstock demonstrations using celery and seeds
- A chemistry challenge involving a molecule building race
- Theory of flight sessions with paper plane design
- Augmented Reality (AR) experiences including turbine exploration
- A careers video featuring women working in the SAF supply chain – from feedstock growers, to engineers, government advisors, fuel blenders and airport workers
"It’s inspiring to think the connection to the land that many of these children have will help power this industry and make us more sustainable.”
Cowboys Community Foundation CEO Fiona Pelling said sustainability was an area of passion for many NRL Cowboys House students.
“Our young people come to us from some of the smallest and most remote communities in Australia,” Fiona said.
“Their connection to their culture, the land and the sea is strong, so many of our students are passionate about protecting the environment and combatting climate change.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Jet Zero and Airbus for sharing their vision and knowledge around sustainable aviation with our students and opening their eyes to careers where they can harness their passions in a meaningful way.”
Jet Zero has received unprecedented Federal and State government funding, and commercial backing by partners including Airbus, Qantas and Idemitsu Kosan to develop their Townsville-based biorefinery – Project Ulysses.
For more information visit: jetzero.com.au
