Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Takes Flight: Pertamina's Bioavtur for Environmentally Friendly Aviation

Jakarta, October 27, 2023 - Pertamina and Garuda Indonesia have successfully conducted their inaugural commercial flight using eco-friendly fuel, Pertamina Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) or Bioavtur. The flight took off from Soekarno-Hatta Airport (Tangerang) to Adi Soemarmo Airport (Surakarta) and return to Jakarta using environmentally friendly aviation fuel, showcasing the contribution of state-owned enterprises (SOE) to reducing emissions and supporting the Net Zero Emission targets achievement.

The Ceremonial Flight of Sustainable Aviation Fuel took place at Terminal 3 of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Friday, October 27, 2023.

Alfian Nasution, Director of Logistics and Infrastructure of Pertamina, stated that Pertamina is committed to supporting Indonesia's Net Zero Emission goals by developing a decarbonization asset roadmap and green business initiatives, including SAF for the aviation sector.

"This special flight will be a historic milestone in sustainable aviation. The public will also experience something new, using renewable energy and directly contributing to emission reduction," explained Alfian.

The Pertamina SAF journey began in 2010 through Pertamina’s Research & Technology Innovation, which involved research and product development with catalysts. In 2021, PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional successfully produced SAF J2.4 at Refinery Unit IV Cilacap using Co-Processing technology from Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Kernel Oil (RBDPKO), with a daily capacity of 1,350 kiloliters (KL).

Through collaboration with relevant stakeholders, SAF products underwent a series of tests on engines and aircraft units. Testing started from cell tests at Garuda Maintenance Facility (GMF), ground runs, flight tests on CN-235 military aircraft owned by PT Dirgantara Indonesia, to the test flight on Garuda Indonesia's commercial aircraft on October 4, 2023, using a Boeing 737-800 NG owned by PT Garuda Indonesia. Pertamina Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will be marketed and distributed through the subholding company PT Pertamina Patra Niaga.

The results of these tests have shown that SAF J2.4 showcases the same quality as conventional aviation fuel. It demonstrates Pertamina's commitment to providing environmentally friendly aviation fuel and its utilization in today's commercial flights.

"We appreciate the stakeholders who have contributed to the SAF product testing, including the Directorate General of New and Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation (EBTKE) and the research team from ITB as coordinators, BPDPKS as sponsors of the testing activities, PT Garuda Indonesia as the aircraft provider, and others involved in all testing stages. Today's joy flight is one of the most important milestones in the SAF implementation in Indonesia. Therefore, we hope that all activities can proceed smoothly and benefit all parties, as tangible evidence of our commitment to achieving Net Zero Emission by 2060 or sooner," said Alfian.

Irfan Setiaputra, President Director of Garuda Indonesia, revealed that today, they conducted their first commercial flight with several passengers from Soekarno Hatta to Adi Soemarmo. "We have successfully used biofuel for a commercial flight. It shows our commitment, and we hope that Garuda Indonesia is perceived as a company that prioritizes sustainability and the future of our children," Irfan said during the Ceremonial Flight event.

One of the passengers on this Commercial Flight, Nugie, expressed his hopes for the future of aviation using SAF. "Hopefully, with SAF, flights can become more efficient and provide added value compared to previous fuels," he said.

The SAF development is one of Pertamina's efforts in energy transition and achieving the Net Zero Emission (NZE) 2060 target. Pertamina SAF is an eco-friendly fuel that incorporates palm oil components blend in the Bioavtur formula to reduce aircraft emissions. Moreover, palm oil components utilization can stimulate domestic industry and economic development.

Pertamina, as a leading company in the energy transition, is committed to supporting the Net Zero Emission 2060 target by continuously promoting programs that directly impact the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) achievement. All these efforts align with Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) implementation across all Pertamina's business lines and operations.**