Sustainable Aviation
African Development Bank and JGC Advance Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Africa
AfDB and JGC Corporation partner to develop sustainable aviation fuel in Africa, supporting aviation growth and net-zero emissions by 2050.
African Development Bank and JGC Corporation Partnership: Catalyzing Sustainable Aviation Fuel Development Across the African Continent
The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Japan’s JGC Corporation have forged a strategic partnership through a Letter of Intent that represents a pivotal moment in Africa’s journey toward sustainable aviation and decarbonization of the continent’s rapidly growing air transport sector. This collaboration addresses the critical need for SAF development across Africa while positioning the continent as an integral part of the global sustainable aviation value chain. The partnership comes at a time when the aviation industry faces mounting pressure to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as established by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), while Africa’s aviation market demonstrates remarkable growth potential with passenger traffic projected to reach 345 million annually by 2043. The agreement encompasses comprehensive collaboration on SAF projects, technology transfer, market assessment, and financing solutions, with the AfDB facilitating coordination with public-sector aviation stakeholders and JGC Corporation conducting demand studies and technical assessments suited to local resources and infrastructure.
This partnership is significant because it not only aligns with global decarbonization targets, but also addresses the unique challenges and opportunities present in Africa. As the continent’s aviation sector expands, the adoption of SAF is positioned as a key strategy for both mitigating environmental impacts and fostering economic growth. The partnership leverages the AfDB’s extensive network and development finance experience alongside JGC’s expertise in sustainable energy technologies, aiming to catalyze a new era of Green-Aviation across Africa.
The context for this agreement is shaped by Africa’s rapidly increasing air travel demand, persistent infrastructure challenges, and the urgent need for environmentally responsible growth. The collaboration between AfDB and JGC Corporation seeks to provide a holistic solution, encompassing technical, financial, and policy dimensions, to advance SAF production and adoption, thereby supporting both local economic development and global climate objectives.
Background and Context of African Aviation Development
Africa’s aviation sector has emerged as a critical component of the continent’s economic development, with the industry demonstrating resilience and remarkable growth potential despite facing unique challenges. The African aviation market has shown extraordinary momentum, with annual passenger traffic growing by 13.2% in 2024, reaching an estimated 98 million passengers, and projections indicating the market will connect 345 million passengers annually by 2043. This growth trajectory positions Africa as one of the fastest-expanding aviation markets globally, driven by economic development, increasing urbanization, and the need for connectivity across the continent’s vast geographical expanse.
The continent’s aviation infrastructure serves diverse connectivity needs, with domestic travel accounting for 37% of passenger traffic, intra-African routes comprising 31%, and intercontinental routes making up 32% of the market. This distribution reveals significant opportunities for regional aircraft and sustainable fuel solutions, particularly for shorter to medium-haul routes that connect secondary cities and foster greater regional integration. The recovery from COVID-19 impacts has been particularly notable, with African Airlines achieving Revenue Passenger Kilometres (RPKs) climbing 2.06% above 2019 figures by January 2024, while Available Seat Kilometres (ASKs) increased by 7.1%.
However, Africa’s aviation sector faces substantial environmental challenges that make sustainable fuel development particularly urgent. The continent’s airlines often operate older aircraft fleets, resulting in lower jet fuel utilization rates and higher emissions intensity compared to more developed aviation markets. Research conducted on African international routes from 2019 to 2021 revealed significant carbon emissions, with studies highlighting that relatively poor countries bear substantial carbon transfer burdens in international aviation. This environmental challenge is compounded by the rapid growth in air travel demand, making the development of sustainable aviation fuels not just an environmental imperative but also an economic necessity for the continent’s long-term aviation sustainability.
“Adopting SAF in Africa is a crucial component of the journey to cutting the continent’s carbon dioxide emissions while boosting sector competitiveness.” , AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
The Strategic Partnership: AfDB and JGC Corporation Collaboration
The Letter of Intent signed between the African Development Bank and JGC Corporation represents a comprehensive approach to sustainable aviation fuel development that leverages the complementary strengths of both organizations. Under this strategic arrangement, the AfDB will serve as the facilitator and coordinator for public-sector aviation stakeholders across the continent, utilizing its extensive network that spans 41 African countries and its deep understanding of regional development needs. The Bank’s role extends beyond mere coordination to include identifying potential project pipelines, exploring diverse financing options including feasibility study support, and promoting Investments opportunities that can attract both public and private capital to SAF development initiatives.
JGC Corporation brings to this partnership its extensive expertise in engineering, procurement, and construction, particularly in energy and infrastructure projects, along with its proven track record in sustainable fuel technologies. The Japanese company will conduct comprehensive demand studies for SAF in African markets, assessing both current needs and future projections based on the continent’s aviation growth trajectory. These studies will be crucial in determining the optimal scale and location of SAF production facilities, taking into account local feedstock availability, infrastructure capabilities, and proximity to major aviation hubs across the continent.
The technical assessment component of JGC’s contribution involves evaluating deployment opportunities that are specifically suited to local resources and infrastructure conditions. This approach recognizes that Africa’s diverse geographical and economic landscape requires tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches to SAF development. JGC’s experience in plant engineering and sustainable energy, particularly through its work on projects like the SAF production facility in Japan using Honeywell UOP Ecofining technology, provides valuable technical expertise that can be adapted to African conditions.
“Building global Partnerships around SAF production in Africa is essential for scaling SAF production to levels that can meaningfully impact aviation emissions while creating economic opportunities across the continent.”
Market Context and Growth Opportunities in African SAF Development
The sustainable aviation fuel market presents substantial growth opportunities within Africa, driven by both global decarbonization mandates and the continent’s rapid aviation sector expansion. The global SAF market was valued at USD 1.61 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 25.62 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate of 65.5%. Within this global context, the Middle East and Africa region specifically shows remarkable potential, with the sustainable aviation fuel market expected to reach EUR 465.34 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 40.7%.
The World Bank’s comprehensive study on SAF production potential in Africa reveals that while higher selling prices for SAF are driven by elevated risk premiums and green premiums, the continent’s feedstock availability and emerging policy frameworks create substantial opportunities for cost-competitive SAF production. Corporate willingness to pay for sustainable aviation fuel has emerged as a crucial market driver, with recent surveys indicating that airlines, logistics service providers, and corporate customers are willing to pay green premiums for SAF. This willingness, when combined with production costs, creates potential for bankable projects, particularly for the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway.
Regional integration initiatives across Africa also support SAF market development, with increasing cooperation between African countries creating opportunities for cross-border SAF supply chains and shared infrastructure development. The African Continental Free Trade Area and other regional economic partnerships provide frameworks for coordinating SAF production and distribution across multiple countries, potentially achieving economies of scale that would be difficult for individual nations to accomplish independently.
Technology Pathways and Production Methodologies for African SAF
The technological landscape for sustainable aviation fuel production offers multiple pathways that can be adapted to African conditions and resource availability. JGC Corporation’s expertise encompasses several proven production technologies, with particular strength in the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway, which has demonstrated commercial viability through projects like the company’s collaboration with Cosmo Oil using Honeywell UOP Ecofining technology. This technology pathway is particularly relevant for Africa given its ability to process locally available feedstocks such as used cooking oil, agricultural residues, and animal fats.
Fischer-Tropsch Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene (FT-SPK) represents another significant technology pathway that could be particularly relevant for African markets with abundant biomass resources. This process can convert various forms of biomass and waste materials into high-quality aviation fuel, providing flexibility in feedstock selection based on regional availability. Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technology offers additional possibilities, especially in countries with established ethanol production capabilities or abundant sugar crops.
Advanced biofuel production technologies continue to evolve, with production costs remaining higher than conventional jet fuel, but ongoing technological improvements and economies of scale are expected to drive costs down over time. JGC’s approach to technology transfer emphasizes adapting proven technologies to local conditions and resources, recognizing that African SAF production facilities will need to account for factors such as local feedstock characteristics, seasonal availability variations, and infrastructure limitations.
Economic and Financial Dimensions of African SAF Development
The financial landscape for sustainable aviation fuel development in Africa presents both significant opportunities and complex challenges that require careful analysis and strategic planning. The economic viability of SAF projects depends on multiple factors including feedstock costs, production technology selection, scale of operations, and market demand characteristics. The African Development Bank’s role in this partnership extends to exploring diverse financing options that can make SAF projects economically viable despite the higher initial capital requirements compared to conventional fuel production facilities.
Corporate willingness to pay premium prices for sustainable aviation fuel has emerged as a critical factor in project economics. This willingness to pay reflects growing corporate commitments to reducing Scope 3 emissions and achieving net-zero targets, creating market conditions that support SAF project financing. Airlines and corporate customers increasingly view SAF purchases as investments in long-term operational sustainability rather than simply fuel procurement decisions.
The financing structure for African SAF projects will likely require blended finance approaches that combine development finance institution funding with private sector investment and potentially government support. Revenue diversification, through the co-production of renewable diesel and other high-value chemical products, can improve overall project economics. Exchange rate considerations and local currency financing present additional complexity, making the AfDB’s experience in managing currency risks particularly valuable.
Policy Framework and Regulatory Environment for African SAF
The regulatory landscape for sustainable aviation fuel development in Africa is shaped by both international commitments and domestic policy frameworks that are evolving to support decarbonization of the aviation sector. The International Civil Aviation Organization’s adoption of a long-term aspirational goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 for international aviation provides the overarching framework driving SAF development globally.
The European Union’s support for SAF development in Africa through its Global Gateway initiative demonstrates how international policy frameworks can catalyze regional development. The ReFuelEU Aviation programme provides a relevant model for understanding how regulatory mandates can drive SAF adoption, requiring minimum SAF blending mandates that start at 2% and increase to 70% by 2050. While this regulation applies specifically to EU airports, its impact extends globally as international airlines serving European routes must comply with these requirements.
National policy frameworks across Africa are beginning to address sustainable aviation fuel development, with countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia leading efforts to establish supportive regulatory environments. Carbon pricing mechanisms and emissions trading systems represent important policy tools that can improve the economics of SAF projects by monetizing the carbon reduction benefits. Regional harmonization of SAF standards and Regulations could significantly reduce compliance costs and facilitate cross-border trade in sustainable aviation fuel.
Challenges and Barriers to SAF Development in Africa
Despite the significant opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel development in Africa, multiple challenges and barriers must be addressed to achieve successful implementation of SAF projects across the continent. Infrastructure limitations represent one of the most significant challenges, as many African countries lack the sophisticated refining and fuel distribution infrastructure required for large-scale SAF production and distribution.
Feedstock availability and supply chain development present complex challenges that vary significantly across different African regions. While the continent possesses abundant biomass resources and agricultural waste that could serve as SAF feedstock, developing reliable supply chains that can provide consistent quality and quantity of materials throughout the year requires substantial coordination and investment.
Technical capacity and skills development represent critical barriers that must be addressed through comprehensive training and technology transfer programs. Regulatory uncertainty and policy inconsistency across different African countries create additional risks for SAF project development, particularly for projects that may serve regional markets spanning multiple jurisdictions. Market demand uncertainty represents another significant challenge, as the relatively small size of domestic aviation markets in many African countries may not provide sufficient demand to support large-scale SAF production facilities operating at efficient scales.
International Cooperation and Global Partnership Development
The development of sustainable aviation fuel capabilities in Africa requires extensive international cooperation and strategic partnerships that can leverage global expertise, financing, and market access opportunities. The AfDB-JGC partnership represents a model for South-South cooperation that combines African development finance expertise with Japanese technological capabilities and industrial experience.
The European Union’s engagement with African aviation authorities through the Global Gateway initiative illustrates how international partnerships can address multiple development objectives simultaneously. Technology transfer partnerships extend beyond the immediate AfDB-JGC collaboration to include broader networks of technology providers, equipment manufacturers, and engineering services companies. These technology partnerships are crucial for ensuring that African SAF facilities utilize state-of-the-art production methods while building local technical capabilities through training and knowledge transfer programs.
International aviation industry partnerships are essential for creating market demand for African-produced SAF, particularly given the global nature of aviation fuel markets and airline operations. Research and development cooperation between African institutions and international partners can accelerate technology adaptation and innovation in SAF production methods suited to African conditions and resources. International financial institution cooperation provides crucial support for scaling SAF development across Africa, with institutions like the World Bank, European Investment Bank, and African Development Bank working together to provide complementary financing and technical assistance.
Future Outlook and Industry Transformation Potential
The partnership between the African Development Bank and JGC Corporation has the potential to catalyze transformative changes in Africa’s aviation sector and contribute significantly to the continent’s broader sustainable development objectives. The projected growth of Africa’s aviation market to 345 million passengers annually by 2043 creates substantial demand for sustainable fuel solutions that can support this growth while meeting international decarbonization commitments. The successful development of SAF production capabilities across Africa could position the continent as a significant player in the global sustainable aviation fuel market, contributing to both local economic development and global climate objectives.
The integration of SAF production with existing agricultural and waste management systems across Africa presents opportunities for circular economy development that can create multiple economic and environmental benefits. Regional integration of SAF production and distribution systems could emerge as Africa develops coordinated approaches to sustainable aviation fuel development. The development of SAF production capabilities could also support broader energy transition objectives across Africa, as many of the technologies and infrastructure required for SAF production can be adapted for other renewable fuel applications. The success of African SAF development could also influence global aviation industry approaches to sustainable fuel procurement and supply chain development.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between the African Development Bank and JGC Corporation represents a pivotal development in Africa’s journey toward sustainable aviation and broader decarbonization objectives. This collaboration addresses critical challenges facing the continent’s rapidly growing aviation sector while positioning Africa as an active participant in the global transition toward sustainable aviation fuels. The partnership’s comprehensive approach, encompassing technology transfer, market development, financing solutions, and capacity building, provides a robust framework for addressing the complex challenges associated with SAF development in African markets.
The long-term implications of successful SAF development in Africa extend beyond the aviation sector to encompass broader energy transition objectives, regional integration initiatives, and sustainable industrialization strategies. The establishment of SAF production capabilities could support the development of broader renewable fuel industries that serve multiple transportation sectors while creating high-value employment opportunities and contributing to economic diversification objectives across African countries. As this partnership progresses from initial agreements to concrete project implementation, its success will depend on sustained political commitment, continued international cooperation, and effective coordination between multiple stakeholders across the continent.
FAQ
What is the main goal of the AfDB and JGC Corporation partnership?
The primary objective is to advance the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) across Africa, supporting the continent’s green aviation agenda and aligning with global decarbonization targets.
Why is sustainable aviation fuel important for Africa?
SAF is crucial for reducing carbon emissions in Africa’s rapidly growing aviation sector, supporting environmental sustainability while enabling continued economic development and connectivity.
What are the main challenges to SAF development in Africa?
Key challenges include limited infrastructure, feedstock supply chain complexities, technical capacity gaps, regulatory uncertainty, and market demand fragmentation.
How does the partnership address technology transfer?
JGC Corporation will facilitate the transfer of Japanese clean-energy technologies and expertise to Africa, adapting proven SAF production methods to local conditions and resources.
What is the projected size of Africa’s aviation market by 2043?
Africa’s aviation market is projected to reach 345 million passengers annually by 2043.
Sources: African Development Bank
Photo Credit: AfDB
Sustainable Aviation
U.S. Advances Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative with 2030 Targets
U.S. agencies collaborate to scale sustainable aviation fuel production to 3 billion gallons by 2030, aiming to cut emissions and boost energy security.
This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Department of Energy.
U.S. Government Accelerates Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative to Meet 2030 Goals
The push to decarbonize the aerospace sector is entering a critical execution phase. Through a formalized Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) have united to drive the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Initiative. Originally launched in September 2021 as the SAF Grand Challenge, this government-wide effort aims to scale up domestic production, enhance national energy security, and revitalize rural agricultural economies.
Sustainable aviation fuel is a synthesized, “drop-in” hydrocarbon fuel derived from renewable or waste materials rather than traditional petroleum. Because it requires no modifications to existing aircraft engines or fueling infrastructure, federal agencies and industry leaders view it as the most viable near-term solution for reducing aviation emissions. According to the DOE, the initiative targets a minimum 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
As we move through 2026, the transition from foundational planning to active infrastructure expansion is well underway. With ambitious production targets looming at the end of the decade, the coordinated federal strategy is deploying hundreds of millions in grant funding to bridge the gap between current supply and future demand.
Core Objectives and Federal Investments
Time-Bound Production Targets
The SAF Initiative is anchored by two primary production milestones. According to official DOE and DOT frameworks, the near-term objective is to scale domestic SAF production to 3 billion gallons per year by 2030. Looking further ahead, the long-term goal is to produce enough SAF to meet 100% of domestic aviation fuel demand by 2050, a figure the agencies estimate will reach approximately 35 billion gallons annually.
Biomass Potential and Feedstock Diversity
To meet these massive volume requirements, the initiative relies on a diverse array of approved feedstocks, including corn grain, oil seeds, forestry residues, municipal solid waste, and agricultural byproducts. Data from the DOE’s 2023 Billion-Ton Report indicates that the United States possesses the capacity to triple its biomass production to over 1 billion tons per year. The DOE projects that this volume could yield an estimated 60 billion gallons of liquid biofuels, providing more than enough raw material to satisfy the 2050 aviation demand projections.
Infrastructure and Grant Funding
Federal financial backing has been crucial to moving these targets from paper to production. In January 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $249 million in grants through the Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) program. This capital injection, funded by a $297 million appropriation to the DOT under the Inflation Reduction Act, is specifically earmarked for domestic SAF production, transportation, and storage infrastructure.
These investments are already yielding tangible geographic expansions. Historically, U.S. SAF supply networks were heavily concentrated on the West Coast. However, federal progress reports note that by early 2025, new supply terminals successfully reached the U.S. East Coast, significantly broadening access for commercial and private aviation hubs nationwide.
“Over the past three years, as this Department has worked alongside our partners in the administration and in the private sector, we’ve made measurable progress in reducing emissions and making our skies cleaner while also growing the economy and creating good-paying jobs.”
Commercial Adoption and Global Context
Airlines Ramp Up Utilization
Commercial airlines are the ultimate end-users of this federal push, and recent data shows a marked increase in adoption, despite ongoing supply constraints. In April 2026, Delta Air Lines reported consuming 23.4 million gallons of SAF throughout 2025. According to the airline’s sustainability disclosures, this represents an 80% increase from the 13 million gallons utilized in 2024.
“Delta’s goal of using 10% SAF by 2030 remains real. Every day, we’re working across our business, industry and the SAF value chain for meaningful impact – and we’re making solid progress.”
International Regulatory Momentum
The U.S. SAF Initiative does not exist in a vacuum; it operates alongside tightening global regulations. In 2025, the European Union’s ReFuelEU Aviation mandate took effect, legally requiring fuel suppliers to blend a minimum percentage of SAF at EU airports. Concurrently, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has established a global framework targeting a 5% reduction in the carbon intensity of international aviation fuels by 2030. These international pressures ensure that U.S. airlines operating globally must secure reliable SAF supply chains to remain compliant.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that the narrative surrounding the SAF Initiative has fundamentally shifted over the past two years. While the 2021 Grand Challenge was primarily framed around climate goals and decarbonization, the 2026 landscape, highlighted by reports like the World Economic Forum’s Global Aviation Sustainability Outlook 2026, positions SAF equally as a matter of national energy security. By utilizing domestic agricultural and municipal waste, the U.S. is actively attempting to insulate its aviation sector from volatile foreign oil markets.
However, significant hurdles remain. While Delta’s 80% year-over-year usage increase is commendable, 23.4 million gallons is a drop in the bucket compared to the 3-billion-gallon target set for 2030. The January 2025 SAF Grand Challenge Progress Report and the November 2024 Roadmap Implementation Framework both acknowledge persistent gaps in technology scaling and supply chain logistics. For the DOE, DOT, and USDA, the next four years will be a race against time to ensure that feedstock processing and refinery capacities can match the aggressive timelines they have mandated.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
SAF is a renewable, “drop-in” alternative to conventional petroleum-based jet fuel. It is synthesized from waste materials, biomass, and agricultural residues, and can be used in existing aircraft without engine modifications. - What are the primary goals of the U.S. SAF Initiative?
The initiative aims to achieve a 50% reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions, produce 3 billion gallons of SAF annually by 2030, and scale up to 35 billion gallons by 2050 to meet 100% of domestic aviation demand. - Which federal agencies are leading this effort?
The initiative is a collaborative effort governed by a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Department of Agriculture (USDA). - How is the government funding this transition?
Funding is being deployed through various channels, notably including $249 million in FAA FAST program grants announced in January 2025, which were funded by the Inflation Reduction Act.
Sources: U.S. Department of Energy
Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Energy
Sustainable Aviation
AeroDelft Conducts First Hydrogen Aircraft Taxi Tests in Netherlands
AeroDelft’s student team completed the first hydrogen-powered aircraft taxi tests at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, advancing sustainable aviation.
This article is based on an official press release from AeroDelft.
In late May 2026, the student-led engineering team AeroDelft achieved a significant milestone in sustainability aviation. According to an official press release from the organization, the team successfully conducted the first-ever taxi tests of a hydrogen-powered aircraft at an operational airport in the Netherlands. The tests took place at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) and represent a critical transition from laboratory research to real-world application.
The comprehensive testing phase included hydrogen refueling operations, powertrain evaluations, and active taxi tests using gaseous hydrogen. By executing these procedures in a live commercial airport environment, AeroDelft and its partners gathered essential data on both the aircraft’s technological performance and the operational protocols required to safely handle hydrogen on an active tarmac.
This achievement is the culmination of extensive engineering and preparation. As noted in the team’s announcement, bringing a hydrogen aircraft to an operational airport required rigorous safety analyses, detailed operational planning, and close collaboration among multiple aviation and energy stakeholders.
Advancing Project Phoenix
From Laboratory to Tarmac
AeroDelft, a non-profit foundation run entirely by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) students, has been developing “Project Phoenix” since 2018. According to supplementary research data, the initiative focuses on converting a Sling 4 airframe into a manned hydrogen-electric aircraft. Industry research highlights that in May 2025, AeroDelft became the first student team globally to test a full liquid hydrogen propulsion system in a lab setting, working alongside the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).
Safety and Operational Planning
Operating an experimental aircraft at a commercial facility demands strict safety measures. According to project data, AeroDelft developed comprehensive risk analyses and an operational taxi test plan. This was achieved in close collaboration with research test pilots Alexander in ‘t Veld and Hans Mulder from TU Delft’s Flight Test Laboratory, ensuring that the live tests at RTHA’s Fieldlab Next Aviation facility met stringent aviation safety standards.
Technical Specifications and Infrastructure
Gaseous vs. Liquid Hydrogen
The recent taxi tests utilized gaseous hydrogen. While AeroDelft’s ultimate objective is to achieve flight using liquid hydrogen, gaseous hydrogen was selected for this phase due to its current technological maturity. Based on technical specifications provided in the research report, the single-seat converted aircraft uses a hydrogen fuel cell that combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, emitting only water. With a full tank of gaseous hydrogen, the aircraft is projected to have an endurance of approximately 40 minutes.
Transitioning to liquid hydrogen remains the next major technical hurdle. Because liquid hydrogen offers a significantly higher energy density by mass and volume, the team projects that utilizing liquid fuel will extend the aircraft’s flight endurance to approximately two hours. To achieve this, future development will require the integration of a cryogenic storage tank capable of maintaining temperatures at -253 °C, along with a complex distribution system.
The DutcHâ‚‚ Aviation Hub
The successful test campaign was facilitated by the DutcHâ‚‚ Aviation Hub, a collaborative ecosystem coordinated by the Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport (RHIA) Foundation and funded by the City of Rotterdam. The AeroDelft press release explicitly thanked partners including TU Delft Aerospace Engineering, RTHA, RHIA, and Air Products Benelux for their roles in turning months of preparation into a successful live test.
Perspectives on Sustainable Aviation
The transition to zero-emission aviation requires proving that new technologies are viable outside of controlled environments. Isha Moharir, Team Manager at AeroDelft, emphasized the importance of real-world testing in public remarks cited by industry reports:
“We want to demonstrate that flying on hydrogen works and that it’s safe in the air and at the airport… We are making absolutely no concessions on safety.”
Moharir further noted that testing at an operational commercial airport yields invaluable insights into the practical steps needed for sustainable aviation. Similarly, Daan van Dijk, an innovator at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, stated that these tests demonstrate tangible progress. According to research summaries, van Dijk highlighted that testing at an active airport is the exact method by which the aviation industry will learn to safely scale hydrogen-powered flight.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that while much of the aerospace sector’s attention has been focused on the in-flight capabilities of hydrogen aircraft, the logistical realities on the ground present an equally formidable challenge. The AeroDelft taxi tests at Rotterdam The Hague Airport serve as a crucial proof-of-concept for bridging the infrastructure gap. Traditional airports are optimized for kerosene; introducing hydrogen requires entirely new storage facilities, mobile refuelers, and emergency response protocols.
Furthermore, the broader hydrogen aviation race is accelerating. While battery-electric aviation propulsion shows promise for short-haul routes, the prohibitive weight of current battery technology limits its application for commercial passenger aviation. Liquid hydrogen presents a highly competitive alternative for longer ranges, provided that the cryogenic and logistical challenges, which initiatives like Project Phoenix are actively addressing, can be resolved at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Phoenix?
Project Phoenix is an initiative launched in 2018 by AeroDelft, a student-led team from TU Delft, aimed at developing a manned hydrogen-electric aircraft by converting a Sling 4 airframe.
Why did AeroDelft use gaseous hydrogen instead of liquid hydrogen for the taxi tests?
Gaseous hydrogen was used because it is currently a more mature and developed technology, allowing the team to safely test the powertrain and airport integration. The ultimate goal remains transitioning to liquid hydrogen for greater flight endurance.
Where did the taxi tests take place?
The tests were conducted at the Fieldlab Next Aviation facility located at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) in the Netherlands.
Sources
- AeroDelft Official Press Release
- Supplementary Industry Research Report (Provided Data)
Photo Credit: AeroDelft
Sustainable Aviation
Loganair Signs 15-Year Sustainable Aviation Fuel Deal with ClimaHtech
Loganair secures a 15-year SAF supply agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight, starting deliveries by 2029 to support UK SAF mandate compliance.
This article is based on an official press release from Loganair.
Loganair, the United Kingdom’s largest regional Airlines, has officially entered into a 15-year SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight (CGF). According to the company’s press release, fuel deliveries under this new partnership are scheduled to commence by 2029. The agreement marks a significant step in the regional carrier’s strategy to secure a long-term fuel supply while navigating the evolving landscape of aviation emissions regulations.
The strategic partnership is designed to hedge against long-term fuel price volatility and mitigate compliance costs associated with the UK government’s SAF mandate. While the specific commercial value and volume metrics of the contract have not been publicly disclosed, the agreement insulates the airline from broader macroeconomic supply chain disruptions and high logistics costs.
A standout feature of this collaboration is CGF’s decentralized production model. Rather than relying on traditional, centralized mega-refineries, modular SAF production units will be deployed directly across Loganair’s primary operational network, which includes the Scottish Highlands, Islands, and other regional UK routes.
A Decentralized Approach to Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The partnership relies on highly innovative fuel production technology. ClimaHtech Green Flight, a wholly owned subsidiary of Belfast-based clean energy engineering company CATAGEN, will supply Loganair with fuel produced via two advanced pathways: BioSAF (Power-Biomass-to-Liquid) and eSAF (Power-to-Liquid).
According to the provided technical details, CGF utilizes patented modular reactor technology, specifically the BIOHGEN and E-FUEL GEN systems developed by CATAGEN. This electrically driven platform can operate alongside intermittent renewable power assets and utilize waste biomass feedstocks. Each modular unit is capable of producing 1 million liters of SAF per year, delivering an estimated 90% reduction in well-to-wing carbon emissions compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.
Overcoming Regional Logistics Challenges
As a regional carrier, Loganair operates numerous routes that serve as essential lifelines for remote communities rather than luxury travel destinations. Decarbonizing these short-haul flights presents unique logistical challenges. By deploying production infrastructure close to the point of consumption across Northern Ireland and Scotland, the decentralized model eliminates the need to ship fuel from a distant central hub, thereby reducing both transportation costs and associated carbon emissions.
Regulatory Pressures and Industry Context
The agreement is heavily driven by the current regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom. The UK SAF mandate officially entered into force on January 1, 2025. The mandate requires jet fuel suppliers to blend alternative aviation fuel into conventional aviation fuel at increasing concentrations. The requirement started at 2% in 2025, will rise to 10% by 2030, and is set to reach 22% by 2040. Securing a 15-year supply helps Loganair ensure compliance and avoid potential future market shortages.
ClimaHtech Green Flight, launched in September 2025 at CATAGEN’s Titanic Quarter Campus in Belfast, was created to disrupt the SAF market using off-grid renewable and low-carbon electricity sources. The company has already secured strategic partnerships and offtake agreements with other major industry players, including Ryanair and Shell Aviation Ireland Limited.
Executive Perspectives
Company leadership emphasized the importance of localizing fuel production to support regional connectivity.
“As the UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair plays a vital role in connecting communities across the UK, particularly in areas where aviation is a lifeline rather than a luxury. Decarbonising regional aviation is therefore both a responsibility and a practical challenge. This long-term agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight is an important step in securing access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel that is produced closer to where we operate, supports UK supply chains, and reflects our commitment to lower our carbon footprint.”
“This offtake agreement with Loganair demonstrates strong airline confidence in our SAF pathways and our ambition to build a distributed, regional SAF production model.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this agreement as a critical indicator of how regional airlines are adapting to stringent environmental mandates. A major hurdle for SAF adoption globally has been the cost and carbon footprint of transporting the fuel from centralized refineries to regional airports. CGF’s decentralized model could serve as a blueprint for regional airlines worldwide, solving the logistics bottleneck that often plagues smaller carriers.
Furthermore, by utilizing local waste biomass and renewable energy, the UK aviation sector can reduce its reliance on imported fuels. This aligns with broader national energy security goals. With the UK SAF mandate now active, airlines are in a race to secure affordable SAF. Early movers like Loganair are locking in long-term Contracts to avoid the anticipated price spikes as the mandate percentages increase toward 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will Loganair begin receiving SAF under this agreement?
Fuel Deliveries from ClimaHtech Green Flight are scheduled to commence by 2029.
How much SAF can the modular units produce?
Each modular unit from CGF is capable of producing 1 million liters of SAF per year.
What are the UK SAF mandate requirements?
The mandate requires a 2% SAF blend starting in 2025, increasing to 10% by 2030, and reaching 22% by 2040.
Sources
Photo Credit: Loganair
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