Qatar Airways and other state companies in the energy-rich nation say they are targeting the development of alternative jet fuel.

The airline said it will work with Qatar Petroleum, the Qatar Science & Technology Park and plane maker Airbus to study biofuel strategies with the aim of producing sustainable bio-jet fuel that could be used by the airline.

The companies did not provide a timeframe or details of their financial commitment to the project but Qatar Airways announced in October last year that it had operated the world’s first commercial flight using fuel made from natural gas.

Meanwhile SAS Scandinavian Airlines, is stepping up its environmental initiatives.

“At SAS, sustainability is an integral part of our strategy for future growth. Our initiatives to save fuel, green approaches, weight reduction and all other efforts are aimed at strengthening SAS financially and in the market as all these have beneficial effects on both costs and the environment,” said Albert Henschel, SAS Scandinavian Airlines general manager for the UAE.

“SAS’ principal strategic targets include 20-per-cent lower emissions by 2020 including traffic growth and 50-per-cent lower emissions per unit produced by 2020.”