Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia today announced a partnership to investigate options for locally produced aviation biofuel.

The trans-Tasman alliance partners are issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to the market to explore the opportunity to procure locally-produced aviation biofuel.

Air New Zealand Chief Flight Operations and Safety Officer Captain David Morgan says the airline recognises the impact aviation has on the environment and this RFI is a key initiative under its carbon management programme.

“By working in partnership with our alliance partner Virgin Australia we hope we can stimulate the local market, drive innovation and investment and potentially uncover a sustainable biofuel supply suitable for our respective operations,” says Captain Morgan.

Virgin Australia Head of Sustainability Robert Wood says the airline is committed to stimulating the development of a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in the region.

“Aviation biofuel offers a significant opportunity for the aviation industry to reduce emissions whilst also building long-term fuel security for the sector,” says Mr Wood.

“We are seeing the development of the aviation biofuel industry accelerate internationally but that is not yet the case for our region. We are confident that our collaboration with Air New Zealand to procure a large volume of aviation biofuel will de-risk investment in the sector, creating high-tech, high-skilled jobs in the region.”

Both airlines are committed to ensuring that aviation biofuel delivers environmental, social and economic benefits, and respondents to the RFI are encouraged to address these principles.

Interested parties have until 30 May 2016 to express their interest.