This is far more than the average traveller’s willing contribution of $2.60 toward SAF, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
University of Sydney professor of transportation Rico Merkert warned that if government and industry do not collaborate, flying will become far more expensive.
SAF is currently three to six times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, while domestic airfares are already at their highest level in years.
The European Union currently requires a mix of sustainable fuel to be blended with traditional fuel, which started at 2% last year, rising to 6% by the end of the decade, 34% in 2040, and 70% by 2050.
Australia has no binding sustainable fuel blend mandate and no large-scale production facilities, although it is considering incentives to spur the industry.
Airlines for Australia & New Zealand chief executive Stephen Beckett said the sector wants to lower its impact, and is aware of the risk for consumers.
“If you simply jack up the price of jet fuel, on top of all the other fees and charges being levied on airfares, the cost of doing business is going to go up.”
