Boeing and SA Airways are among the companies that have launched a project to convert tobacco leaves into clean-burning bio-jet fuel.
The nicotine-free Solaris variety of tobacco will be used to produce the fuel that SAA will test, investors SkyNRG and Sunchem said yesterday.
Test flights may begin next year.
The project "will benefit the environment and public health while providing new economic opportunities for South Africa's small farmers", said Miguel Santos, Boeing's MD for Africa.
"This project also positions our valued airline customer to gain a long-term, viable domestic fuel supply and improve South Africa's national balance of payments."
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