Qantas and Airbus Invest AUD$15 Million to Decarbonise Aviation

Qantas and Airbus have taken a significant step toward a greener future for aviation, announcing a joint investment of AUD$15 million in Climate Tech Partners (CTP). This partnership highlights the shared commitment of the two industry giants to accelerate the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and other groundbreaking decarbonisation technologies tailored specifically for aviation.

The Partnership in Focus

The announcement, made in Sydney by Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer Julie Kitcher and Qantas Chief Sustainability Officer Fiona Messent, underscores the critical need for collaboration to achieve net-zero emissions. Working closely with CTP, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between early-stage climate technologies and scalable commercial production in Australia.

CTP’s innovative approach is built on a strong foundation of collaboration, involving 12 expert partners from diverse industries such as energy, infrastructure, and transport. By leveraging this collective expertise, the fund seeks to identify, mentor, and support local and global start-ups at the forefront of climate innovation.

Driving Innovation in SAF

The dedicated investment vehicle created through this partnership will focus on developing key SAF technologies, including feedstock production and value-chain innovations. As these solutions mature, Qantas and Airbus have the opportunity to further invest and deploy these technologies in real-world Australian projects.

“This partnership with CTP and Qantas highlights that the scaling of Sustainable Aviation Fuel needs innovative solutions… Australia is well positioned to be a leader in low-carbon fuels,” said Airbus Chief Sustainability Officer Julie Kitcher.

A Shared Vision for Australia

Qantas Chief Sustainability Officer Fiona Messent highlighted the broader benefits for the country:
“For Australia, an onshore SAF industry will mean improved national fuel security, more jobs, and economic benefit. It’s fantastic to be collaborating across industries to help accelerate local production.”

Supporting a Net-Zero Future

The AUD$15 million investment comes from Qantas and Airbus’ US$200 million partnership, established in 2022 to fast-track SAF production and adoption. This collaboration reflects the ambition of both companies to decarbonise aviation at scale while creating significant opportunities for innovation and growth in Australia’s green economy.

Through CTP, Qantas and Airbus will fund emerging technologies and companies, providing these ventures with access to their expertise, real-world application platforms, and industry networks.

Patrick Sieb, Co-Founder of CTP, said, “Working with global leading aviation and aerospace companies allows us to make better-informed investment decisions in this complex area, while helping the best start-ups accelerate their solutions through industry engagement.”

Transforming Aviation, One Investment at a Time

Climate Tech Partners, a leader in climate-focused venture capital at the Series A stage, aligns its goals with those of corporate partners like Qantas and Airbus. By supporting scalable innovations in energy, logistics, and industrial resources, CTP plays a vital role in commercialising impactful climate technologies.

With their combined expertise and funding, Qantas and Airbus are not only fuelling a cleaner future for aviation but also paving the way for sustainable economic development in Australia.

The Road Ahead

As global aviation faces the challenge of decarbonisation, partnerships like this set an inspiring example of action through innovation. For Qantas, Airbus, and Australia, this initiative is a significant step toward creating a robust SAF supply chain that delivers environmental, economic, and social benefits.

Stay tuned as Climate Tech Partners, with the backing of these aviation giants, accelerates the deployment of breakthrough climate solutions—transforming the skies and the planet for future generations. ✈️🌿

For more information, visit Qantas or Airbus.