Times have changed, and while many have become accustomed to travelling at an affordable price, that might not last much longer.

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, recently warned travellers that airfares would likely increase as the airline marches towards a greener carbon footprint.

He was talking at a parliamentary hearing on the cost of living and brought up the government's updated Safeguard Mechanism, which took effect last July.

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, warned travellers that airfare could increase due to the carbon emission reduction efforts. Credit: Peterfz30/Shutterstock

The Safeguard Mechanism is the government’s policy for reducing emissions at the country’s largest industrial facilities.

This limits the greenhouse gases from large industrial facilities to 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Virgin Australia needs to r reduce its share of emissions by 4.9 per cent in compliance with the standards set by the policy.

While Bennett agrees with the aims of the mechanism, he did lament that the path to a cleaner carbon footprint comes at a cost.

The company can do it best by switching to sustainable jet fuel (SAF)–a 'greener' version of conventional jet fuel that produces 80 per cent less pollution.

‘There is no escaping the challenge of sustainable aviation fuel. The technology is not the problem–actually making sustainable aviation fuel is not the problem. Economics is the problem,’ Bennett said.

The major issue with SAF is its increased cost–it's reportedly two to five times more expensive than regular jet fuel, making up a quarter of Virgin Australia's operation costs.

‘Public policy will need to play a very significant role if the transition from current jet fuel over to sustainable aviation fuel is to happen at an affordable price,’ Bennett explained.

The raw material needed for the production of sustainable fuel is being exported to the US and Singapore, but domestic fuel production could bring down the prices and emissions at the same time.

If the airline wants to meet the requirements of the Safety Mechanism, they will have to begin using SAF, thereby putting airfares up by as much as 500 per cent.

Bennett described SAF as the 'slingshot' to net zero, but until its cost comes down significantly, the airline will have to stick with using a 30 per cent blend of conventional and greener fuels until they can find a way to drive the cost of SAF down.

Despite the cost, Virgin Australia affirmed that they are aligned with the Safeguard Mechanism’s goals.

‘We as a company and as an industry need to be moving down this path,’ Bennett said.

‘The Safeguard Mechanism is just our domestic framework within which we’re going to have to accomplish the task. If we fall short, then we will have to face the consequences.’

‘So I’ve described the two (cost and the safeguard mechanism) as working in parallel rather than at odds,’ Bennet stated.

Key Takeaways

• Travellers may face increased ticket prices as airlines attempt to cut their emissions in line with government regulations.
• Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, stated that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), although a cleaner alternative, is two to five times more expensive than commercial jet fuel.
• As fuel constitutes a quarter of the airline's operating costs, a potential 500 per cent increase in fuel prices poses a significant challenge to maintaining affordable airfares.
• Despite the financial challenges, Virgin Australia is committed to achieving the safeguard mechanism's goals and has gradually begun to use blends of conventional and greener fuels to lower emissions.

What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

 

[mylittletibbies]

It will be like years ago where only the wealthy could afford to fly
I can remember back in the 60's when young friends were off on the Europe trip, we would go down to the ship to see them off, nobody even considered
flying. .Everyone actually had a great
time on the voyage, it was part of the whole package. Not so rush, rush, hurry, hurry like today's society.
Take time to smell the roses as they say.

 

[Liz49]

Times have changed, and while many have become accustomed to travelling at an affordable price, that might not last much longer.

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, recently warned travellers that airfares would likely increase as the airline marches towards a greener carbon footprint.

He was talking at a parliamentary hearing on the cost of living and brought up the government's updated Safeguard Mechanism, which took effect last July.

View attachment 28049

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, warned travellers that airfare could increase due to the carbon emission reduction efforts. Credit: Peterfz30/Shutterstock

The Safeguard Mechanism is the government’s policy for reducing emissions at the country’s largest industrial facilities.

This limits the greenhouse gases from large industrial facilities to 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Virgin Australia needs to r reduce its share of emissions by 4.9 per cent in compliance with the standards set by the policy.

While Bennett agrees with the aims of the mechanism, he did lament that the path to a cleaner carbon footprint comes at a cost.

The company can do it best by switching to sustainable jet fuel (SAF)–a 'greener' version of conventional jet fuel that produces 80 per cent less pollution.

‘There is no escaping the challenge of sustainable aviation fuel. The technology is not the problem–actually making sustainable aviation fuel is not the problem. Economics is the problem,’ Bennett said.

The major issue with SAF is its increased cost–it's reportedly two to five times more expensive than regular jet fuel, making up a quarter of Virgin Australia's operation costs.

‘Public policy will need to play a very significant role if the transition from current jet fuel over to sustainable aviation fuel is to happen at an affordable price,’ Bennett explained.

The raw material needed for the production of sustainable fuel is being exported to the US and Singapore, but domestic fuel production could bring down the prices and emissions at the same time.

If the airline wants to meet the requirements of the Safety Mechanism, they will have to begin using SAF, thereby putting airfares up by as much as 500 per cent.

Bennett described SAF as the 'slingshot' to net zero, but until its cost comes down significantly, the airline will have to stick with using a 30 per cent blend of conventional and greener fuels until they can find a way to drive the cost of SAF down.

Despite the cost, Virgin Australia affirmed that they are aligned with the Safeguard Mechanism’s goals.

‘We as a company and as an industry need to be moving down this path,’ Bennett said.

‘The Safeguard Mechanism is just our domestic framework within which we’re going to have to accomplish the task. If we fall short, then we will have to face the consequences.’

‘So I’ve described the two (cost and the safeguard mechanism) as working in parallel rather than at odds,’ Bennet stated.

Key Takeaways

• Travellers may face increased ticket prices as airlines attempt to cut their emissions in line with government regulations.
• Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, stated that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), although a cleaner alternative, is two to five times more expensive than commercial jet fuel.
• As fuel constitutes a quarter of the airline's operating costs, a potential 500 per cent increase in fuel prices poses a significant challenge to maintaining affordable airfares.
• Despite the financial challenges, Virgin Australia is committed to achieving the safeguard mechanism's goals and has gradually begun to use blends of conventional and greener fuels to lower emissions.

What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

At this rate they will shut it all down. No business of these sizes can afford to do net zero and it's a con anyway. Just a way to stop the plebs doing anything. Cut it down, cut it out, shut it up, lock it down. All for what. Some spurious idea by the big end of town to control it all and make them rich. Everything that has been "invented" since this crap started was supposed to cut costs. NO it's increased costs for all especially those who use it. Electricity, fridges and freezers the list goes on. Total garbage to make someone else rich

 

[Luckyus]

It will be like years ago where only the wealthy could afford to fly
I can remember back in the 60's when young friends were off on the Europe trip, we would go down to the ship to see them off, nobody even considered
flying. .Everyone actually had a great
time on the voyage, it was part of the whole package. Not so rush, rush, hurry, hurry like today's society.
Take time to smell the roses as they say.

I remember those days when I was at sea on passenger ships, I always reckoned there was a direct correlation between the ships hawsers and knicker elastic, they both used to let go at the same time!!

 

[Staffordshire Whippet]

Go Woke, Go Broke, or in this case "Don't Go!"
Keep your money in Australia.

 

[Jest]

Times have changed, and while many have become accustomed to travelling at an affordable price, that might not last much longer.

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, recently warned travellers that airfares would likely increase as the airline marches towards a greener carbon footprint.

He was talking at a parliamentary hearing on the cost of living and brought up the government's updated Safeguard Mechanism, which took effect last July.

View attachment 28049

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, warned travellers that airfare could increase due to the carbon emission reduction efforts. Credit: Peterfz30/Shutterstock

The Safeguard Mechanism is the government’s policy for reducing emissions at the country’s largest industrial facilities.

This limits the greenhouse gases from large industrial facilities to 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Virgin Australia needs to r reduce its share of emissions by 4.9 per cent in compliance with the standards set by the policy.

While Bennett agrees with the aims of the mechanism, he did lament that the path to a cleaner carbon footprint comes at a cost.

The company can do it best by switching to sustainable jet fuel (SAF)–a 'greener' version of conventional jet fuel that produces 80 per cent less pollution.

‘There is no escaping the challenge of sustainable aviation fuel. The technology is not the problem–actually making sustainable aviation fuel is not the problem. Economics is the problem,’ Bennett said.

The major issue with SAF is its increased cost–it's reportedly two to five times more expensive than regular jet fuel, making up a quarter of Virgin Australia's operation costs.

‘Public policy will need to play a very significant role if the transition from current jet fuel over to sustainable aviation fuel is to happen at an affordable price,’ Bennett explained.

The raw material needed for the production of sustainable fuel is being exported to the US and Singapore, but domestic fuel production could bring down the prices and emissions at the same time.

If the airline wants to meet the requirements of the Safety Mechanism, they will have to begin using SAF, thereby putting airfares up by as much as 500 per cent.

Bennett described SAF as the 'slingshot' to net zero, but until its cost comes down significantly, the airline will have to stick with using a 30 per cent blend of conventional and greener fuels until they can find a way to drive the cost of SAF down.

Despite the cost, Virgin Australia affirmed that they are aligned with the Safeguard Mechanism’s goals.

‘We as a company and as an industry need to be moving down this path,’ Bennett said.

‘The Safeguard Mechanism is just our domestic framework within which we’re going to have to accomplish the task. If we fall short, then we will have to face the consequences.’

‘So I’ve described the two (cost and the safeguard mechanism) as working in parallel rather than at odds,’ Bennet stated.

Key Takeaways

• Travellers may face increased ticket prices as airlines attempt to cut their emissions in line with government regulations.
• Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, stated that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), although a cleaner alternative, is two to five times more expensive than commercial jet fuel.
• As fuel constitutes a quarter of the airline's operating costs, a potential 500 per cent increase in fuel prices poses a significant challenge to maintaining affordable airfares.
• Despite the financial challenges, Virgin Australia is committed to achieving the safeguard mechanism's goals and has gradually begun to use blends of conventional and greener fuels to lower emissions.

What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Marle 3MIL Albo 8 MIL costof their flying. On 2gb this morning. zero joke.??

 

[Tipsy]

Times have changed, and while many have become accustomed to travelling at an affordable price, that might not last much longer.

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, recently warned travellers that airfares would likely increase as the airline marches towards a greener carbon footprint.

He was talking at a parliamentary hearing on the cost of living and brought up the government's updated Safeguard Mechanism, which took effect last July.

View attachment 28049

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, warned travellers that airfare could increase due to the carbon emission reduction efforts. Credit: Peterfz30/Shutterstock

The Safeguard Mechanism is the government’s policy for reducing emissions at the country’s largest industrial facilities.

This limits the greenhouse gases from large industrial facilities to 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Virgin Australia needs to r reduce its share of emissions by 4.9 per cent in compliance with the standards set by the policy.

While Bennett agrees with the aims of the mechanism, he did lament that the path to a cleaner carbon footprint comes at a cost.

The company can do it best by switching to sustainable jet fuel (SAF)–a 'greener' version of conventional jet fuel that produces 80 per cent less pollution.

‘There is no escaping the challenge of sustainable aviation fuel. The technology is not the problem–actually making sustainable aviation fuel is not the problem. Economics is the problem,’ Bennett said.

The major issue with SAF is its increased cost–it's reportedly two to five times more expensive than regular jet fuel, making up a quarter of Virgin Australia's operation costs.

‘Public policy will need to play a very significant role if the transition from current jet fuel over to sustainable aviation fuel is to happen at an affordable price,’ Bennett explained.

The raw material needed for the production of sustainable fuel is being exported to the US and Singapore, but domestic fuel production could bring down the prices and emissions at the same time.

If the airline wants to meet the requirements of the Safety Mechanism, they will have to begin using SAF, thereby putting airfares up by as much as 500 per cent.

Bennett described SAF as the 'slingshot' to net zero, but until its cost comes down significantly, the airline will have to stick with using a 30 per cent blend of conventional and greener fuels until they can find a way to drive the cost of SAF down.

Despite the cost, Virgin Australia affirmed that they are aligned with the Safeguard Mechanism’s goals.

‘We as a company and as an industry need to be moving down this path,’ Bennett said.

‘The Safeguard Mechanism is just our domestic framework within which we’re going to have to accomplish the task. If we fall short, then we will have to face the consequences.’

‘So I’ve described the two (cost and the safeguard mechanism) as working in parallel rather than at odds,’ Bennet stated.

Key Takeaways

• Travellers may face increased ticket prices as airlines attempt to cut their emissions in line with government regulations.
• Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, stated that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), although a cleaner alternative, is two to five times more expensive than commercial jet fuel.
• As fuel constitutes a quarter of the airline's operating costs, a potential 500 per cent increase in fuel prices poses a significant challenge to maintaining affordable airfares.
• Despite the financial challenges, Virgin Australia is committed to achieving the safeguard mechanism's goals and has gradually begun to use blends of conventional and greener fuels to lower emissions.

What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

these green house emission reduction story is nothing more than a way for corrupt Corporate Governments and their cronies of making more fraudulent monies... There is no such thing as climate change except for the seasons... without the carbon in the atmosphere EVERYTHING DIES, we (the human race) not counting the morons are a carbon based life form....WE give of carbon when we breath out dipshits and the plant absorb this gas and gives us back OXYGEN.....DOH. If you want a greener planet then we need more carbon.... The ELITE just want you to die, wakey wakey hand of snakey

 

[Carsrme]

Times have changed, and while many have become accustomed to travelling at an affordable price, that might not last much longer.

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, recently warned travellers that airfares would likely increase as the airline marches towards a greener carbon footprint.

He was talking at a parliamentary hearing on the cost of living and brought up the government's updated Safeguard Mechanism, which took effect last July.

View attachment 28049

Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, warned travellers that airfare could increase due to the carbon emission reduction efforts. Credit: Peterfz30/Shutterstock

The Safeguard Mechanism is the government’s policy for reducing emissions at the country’s largest industrial facilities.

This limits the greenhouse gases from large industrial facilities to 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero by 2050.

Virgin Australia needs to r reduce its share of emissions by 4.9 per cent in compliance with the standards set by the policy.

While Bennett agrees with the aims of the mechanism, he did lament that the path to a cleaner carbon footprint comes at a cost.

The company can do it best by switching to sustainable jet fuel (SAF)–a 'greener' version of conventional jet fuel that produces 80 per cent less pollution.

‘There is no escaping the challenge of sustainable aviation fuel. The technology is not the problem–actually making sustainable aviation fuel is not the problem. Economics is the problem,’ Bennett said.

The major issue with SAF is its increased cost–it's reportedly two to five times more expensive than regular jet fuel, making up a quarter of Virgin Australia's operation costs.

‘Public policy will need to play a very significant role if the transition from current jet fuel over to sustainable aviation fuel is to happen at an affordable price,’ Bennett explained.

The raw material needed for the production of sustainable fuel is being exported to the US and Singapore, but domestic fuel production could bring down the prices and emissions at the same time.

If the airline wants to meet the requirements of the Safety Mechanism, they will have to begin using SAF, thereby putting airfares up by as much as 500 per cent.

Bennett described SAF as the 'slingshot' to net zero, but until its cost comes down significantly, the airline will have to stick with using a 30 per cent blend of conventional and greener fuels until they can find a way to drive the cost of SAF down.

Despite the cost, Virgin Australia affirmed that they are aligned with the Safeguard Mechanism’s goals.

‘We as a company and as an industry need to be moving down this path,’ Bennett said.

‘The Safeguard Mechanism is just our domestic framework within which we’re going to have to accomplish the task. If we fall short, then we will have to face the consequences.’

‘So I’ve described the two (cost and the safeguard mechanism) as working in parallel rather than at odds,’ Bennet stated.

Key Takeaways

• Travellers may face increased ticket prices as airlines attempt to cut their emissions in line with government regulations.
• Virgin Australia's Chief of Corporate Affairs, Christian Bennett, stated that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), although a cleaner alternative, is two to five times more expensive than commercial jet fuel.
• As fuel constitutes a quarter of the airline's operating costs, a potential 500 per cent increase in fuel prices poses a significant challenge to maintaining affordable airfares.
• Despite the financial challenges, Virgin Australia is committed to achieving the safeguard mechanism's goals and has gradually begun to use blends of conventional and greener fuels to lower emissions.

What do you think of this story, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This commitment by airlines for the greener Australia is good and well. But, are the thousands of other airlines in the world going to follow suit ? It just means people will choose to fly with the others, bumping up their profits.
From Carsrme.

 

[Leenie]

Marle 3MIL Albo 8 MIL costof their flying. On 2gb this morning. zero joke.??

They enjoy what they preach to us not to do they are the ones polluting not the little people.

 

[Jay Jay]

Possible 500% increase in airfares? Unbelievable!

So .. in an effort to 'save the world', companies will put themselves out of business? Or provide services only for the extremely wealthy?
Back to the Dark Ages for the rest of us.

This is 'progress'????

Ridiculous.

 

[Leenie]

these green house emission reduction story is nothing more than a way for corrupt Corporate Governments and their cronies of making more fraudulent monies... There is no such thing as climate change except for the seasons... without the carbon in the atmosphere EVERYTHING DIES, we (the human race) not counting the morons are a carbon based life form....WE give of carbon when we breath out dipshits and the plant absorb this gas and gives us back OXYGEN.....DOH. If you want a greener planet then we need more carbon.... The ELITE just want you to die, wakey wakey hand of snakey

Well said these d##k heads need to open their eyes and ears ,was it Gates who said they need to get rid of the useless eaters , so WEF is coming for you. WAKE UP.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I've been researching climate change (or for those who prefer, global warming) for over 15 years and the main driver of this whole circus is government. Just look at the turkey that stirred to hornet's nest with his ridiculous 2006 mockumentary "An Inconvenient Truth"- none other than Al Gore, a feeble vice president to Bill Clinton.

Not to mention the IPCC, the infamous Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The bolded tells the story.

Now we have the Chief Youth Recruitment Officer, Greta Thunberg, brainwashing schoolchildren throughout the world, representing the Church of Climatology. Her cronies, Extinction Rebellion, have been disrupting major cities all over the world in the guise of the zealotry of climate change activists.

Meanwhile, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) comprised a measly 0.1% of all fuels used in the US aviation sector during 2022. Wow, that would have a HUGE impact on emissions! {Source: US Accountability Office Report dated 17 May 2023).


Why is SAF so damn expensive? Its composition is different to that of the currently used fuels JP-5 and JP-8. Now without getting TOO technical, SAF has a lower percentage of aromatic hydrocarbons, which are easily obtained by the fractionation of crude oil. SAF adds another process to the mix as it employs a greater percentage of n-alkanes, iso-alkanes and cycloalkanes. These have to be converted from sustainable feedstocks via complex chemical processes. Is it really worth it?

You can all go now and have a nanny nap as you are all bored!

 

[Jest]

i have virgin tickets to queenstown return for 2 at $1200.00 this is my tata to nz amd my home surrounds. they can do what they like after that.

 

[Jest]

did anyone listen to 2gb this morning. marles costs are over 3mil albos are over 8mil. males flew to watch the matildas and we paid for it. this is being Green. what a joke. when they walk and do their talk over the internet then i may listen. also the farmers have to pay for the poles and whatever on their farms when they are stuffed. how about that.

 

[Leenie]

did anyone listen to 2gb this morning. marles costs are over 3mil albos are over 8mil. males flew to watch the matildas and we paid for it. this is being Green. what a joke. when they walk and do their talk over the internet then i may listen. also the farmers have to pay for the poles and whatever on their farms when they are stuffed. how about that.

Typical politicians don’t do as I do do as i say.