Qantas and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation have unveiled a new fund aimed at accelerating the restoration of Australia's reef systems.

Building on its 15-year partnership with the Foundation, Qantas has committed to investing $10 million into the Reef Restoration Fund over the next decade.

The fund will invest in Coral IVF programs, corals with increased heat tolerance, and world-first portable coral nurseries, supporting scientists, Traditional Owners, and local tourism operators in restoring corals across the Great Barrier Reef and other iconic Australian coral reefs.

Great Barrier Reef Foundation Managing Director Anna Marsden and Qantas Group Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Parker announced the partnership at the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s National Sea Simulator in Townsville.

“Australia is the guardian of some of the most iconic coral reefs in the world. It’s a huge responsibility and we’re proud to see one national icon supporting another. This partnership will help fund critical actions at a critical time," Marsden said.

In addition to the fund, the Qantas Group has launched its Nature Action Plan, outlining a commitment to address nature and biodiversity loss. This move signifies Qantas's ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and the preservation of Australia's unique ecosystems.

"Connecting our customers with natural landscapes is at the core of what we do, including carrying millions of people to the reef each year,” said Mr Parker.

“We know that aviation is a high emissions industry, which is why we were one of the first airlines globally to commit to net zero emissions by 2050. We want to take the same leadership in addressing our impact on nature so that future generations can enjoy all the opportunities that global travel offers for years to come," Parker said.