Our approach to sustainability
Air travel is currently not environmentally sustainable. At Qantas, our approach to sustainability includes understanding and working to address the environmental and social impacts of our business.
The Qantas Group's Sustainability Framework is aligned to our strategic priorities and focuses on three key principles:
- Valuing our planet,
- Enabling our people, and
- Connecting customers and communities.
You can find out more in our Sustainability Report
Valuing our planet
We recognise that air travel is currently not environmentally sustainable. That’s why we are committed to taking steps – in the air and on the ground – to reduce our impact on the environment.
Climate action
In 2019, we were one of the first airlines in the world to announce our target to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and capping our net emissions at 2019 levels.
We’ve set targets to reduce our net Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030 (from 2019 levels).
The steps we’re taking to reduce our emissions include improving efficiency through fleet modernisations, supporting the development of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry in Australia and investing through the carbon market in projects that meet our internal requirements for integrity and quality.
Sustainable aviation fuel
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is an umbrella industry term used to describe a collection of lower carbon, non-fossil derived fuels, which utilise different biogenic and non-biogenic feedstocks and processing technologies.
SAF can be made from biogenic sources including used cooking oils, council and agricultural waste, and energy crops. Biogenic SAF has the potential to reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions typically by up to 80% when compared with traditional jet fuel. Non-biogenic SAF or synthetic fuel is a pathway which utilises carbon dioxide, hydrogen and significant amounts of renewable electricity to synthesise a liquid fuel with favourable sustainability characteristics (emissions can be reduced on a lifecycle basis by up to 90% compared to fossil fuels).
SAF still produces emissions when combusted, however on a lifecycle basis, emission reductions can be achieved compared to fossil jet fuel when the biogenic sources, for example, absorb CO2 when growing. These emission reductions are certified by independent third parties according to global standards.
At present, SAF is required to be blended with fossil jet fuel (up to a 50% limit) in order to be a 'drop in' replacement with existing fuelling infrastructure and aircraft. Whilst global supply is increasing, SAF comprises only 0.2% of our current fuel use and is not yet commercially accessible in Australia. We are taking steps to change this and help support the development of a SAF industry in Australia.
Fleet and operational improvements
Focusing on fleet modernisation, along with a focus on how we fly and maintain our aircraft, are some of the steps we’re taking towards meeting our climate targetsl. We will do this by:
- investing in aerodynamic improvements to our existing fleet aimed at reducing onboard weight or drag
- advocating for broader airspace design and management which requires industry-wide collaboration, and
- continuing to reduce fuel burn, including through smarter flight planning.
Carbon markets
We invest in carbon projects outside the aviation industry that compensate for a portion of the carbon emissions associated with our flights and, in many cases, also provide broader community and environmental benefits.
Supporting carbon projects outside the aviation industry, through the purchase of carbon credits, is not the same as preventing emissions from aviation. While we can calculate the estimated emissions for each route we fly, we recognise that no carbon project can provide a complete guarantee of the permanence of the emissions that a project removes from the atmosphere or a complete guarantee that the emissions avoided by a project’s activities would not have occurred without the project. This may mean that the emissions associated with our operations may not be ’offset’ in their entirety or in perpetuity.
Protecting nature
We're committed to reducing our impact on nature and addressing biodiversity loss.
Nature Action Plan
Our Nature Action plan identifies steps to reduce our nature and biodiversity impacts, including addressing nature and biodiversity loss.
Great Barrier Reef Foundation
Our partnership helps protect Australia's iconic reef ecosystems.
Working towards circularity
We recognise the impact of our waste on the environment and are committed to addressing this through waste reduction and reuse projects, innovation and improved waste management practices.
We're working with our employees, suppliers, customers, industry and regulators on key initiatives to reduce waste and increase recovery including domestic inflight recycling.
Get involved
For business
We've launched Australia's first coalition program to support efforts to reduce the environmental impact of aviation through the use of sustainable aviation fuel.
Important information
Disclaimer: * Excluding items required for medical or health and safety reasons.
Disclaimer: ^ Excluding quarantine waste, a highly regulated and specialised waste stream with limited waste diversion pathways. All waste associated with international ports (inbound and outbound) is treated as quarantine waste.
Disclaimer: + See full Fly Carbon Neutral terms and conditions
Disclaimer: # You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and use Qantas Points. Membership and points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions To be eligible for Green Tier status, Qantas Frequent Flyer members must complete one activity in five out of six Green Tier categories in a Membership Year. Members must be residing in Australia with an Australian residential address in their profile. Members must be logged in to their Qantas Frequent Flyer account when completing the relevant activity (for example, booking an eco-accredited hotel) and residing in Australia with an Australian residential address in their profile.