Freight Charter by Air

As global supply chains push toward greener logistics, the air freight sector faces growing pressure to reduce its environmental footprint. For air cargo charters in Australia, adopting Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and verified carbon offsetting offers tangible ways to meet climate targets—while enhancing brand reputation and future-proofing logistics models.

This article explores how SAF is being adopted in charter freight, what carbon offsets mean in aviation, and how Australian businesses can make air transport more sustainable today.

1. What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?

SAF is a renewable alternative to conventional jet fuel, made from feedstocks like:

• Waste oils (e.g., cooking oil, animal fats)

• Agricultural residues

• Municipal solid waste

SAF can reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% and is fully compatible with current aircraft engines (drop-in fuel). In Australia, major SAF providers include:

• Qantas Biofuel Initiative

• Gevo (imported supply)

• BP & Neste partnerships at Brisbane Airport

2. SAF Use in Charter Freight Today

While SAF availability is still limited in Australia, several charter operators now:

• Offer SAF-blended flights on request (e.g., 30–50% blend)

• Partner with fuel providers at major hubs (Perth, Sydney, Brisbane)

• Offer carbon declarations per flight to help clients assess scope 3 emissions

Note: SAF premiums currently add 10–30% to fuel cost, but may be tax-deductible under sustainability programs.

3. Carbon Offsetting Explained

If SAF isn’t available for your route, offsets provide an alternative. Offsetting means investing in certified climate projects that reduce or absorb emissions equal to your flight’s footprint. Common project types:

• Renewable energy (wind, solar)

• Reforestation & conservation

• Indigenous fire management programs (Australia-specific)

Offset costs vary: ~$10–$30 per tonne of CO₂. A Perth → Darwin charter with a King Air (~2.1 tonnes CO₂) may cost ~$40–$60 to offset.

4. Choosing Verified Offset Programs

Make sure offsets are:

• Gold Standard, VCS, or Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU) verified

• Auditable with third-party certification

• Preferably local or aligned with your corporate ESG goals

Some charter providers bundle offsets into quotes or offer opt-in tick boxes during booking.

5. Sustainability Checklist for Charter Clients

✅ Ask if SAF is available for your charter hub
✅ Request CO₂ emissions estimate for route & aircraft type
✅ Choose offset program that aligns with your brand or sector
✅ Ensure flight documents include emissions + SAF usage %
✅ Prefer blended fuel where 100% SAF is not available

6. Case Study – Medical Supply Charter with Offsets

• Route: Melbourne to Alice Springs

• Aircraft: Saab 340 (partial SAF blend)

• Offset Type: Indigenous fire reduction project (NT-based, ACCU certified)

• Result: 72 kg CO₂ saved via fuel blend, 340 kg offset via fire credits — supporting both climate and community impact.