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

• Loganair Press Release

On May 26, 2026, easyJet and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol officially announced the deployment of fully electric “TaxiBot” technology for Airbus A320neo passenger aircraft. According to the official press release, this initiative allows aircraft to taxi between the gate and the runway without engaging their main jet engines, relying instead on a semi-robotic electric towing vehicle.

The deployment marks a significant milestone for European aviation, as Schiphol becomes the first European airport to introduce the fully electric GEN 2 TaxiBot specifically for Airbus passenger operations. We note that this rollout follows a successful trial in March 2026 and a first commercial passenger flight on April 30, 2026.

By utilizing this technology, easyJet estimates immediate environmental benefits, including the saving of 95 kilograms of aviation fuel and the prevention of 299 kilograms of CO₂ emissions per flight. The project represents a multi-year collaboration involving easyJet, Schiphol Airport, Menzies Aviation, Airbus, and Israeli technology firm Smart Airport Systems (SAS).

The Mechanics of Engine-Free Taxiing

How the GEN 2 TaxiBot Operates

At expansive airports like Schiphol, taxiing to distant runways such as the Polderbaan can take upwards of 20 minutes, traditionally burning thousands of pounds of jet fuel before takeoff. The press release details that the TaxiBot addresses this inefficiency by functioning as a semi-robotic, towbarless electric tractor. It lifts the aircraft’s nose wheel onto a rotating platform and remains attached all the way to the runway threshold, unlike standard pushback tugs that disconnect near the terminal gate.

During the taxi phase, the pilot remains in full control, steering the TaxiBot directly from the cockpit using the standard tiller. The aircraft’s main engines remain switched off, relying solely on the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to power onboard electrical systems. The main engines are only started just before takeoff.

According to the provided operational details, the electric tug can tow aircraft at speeds up to 23 knots (approximately 42 km/h). Once uncoupled at the runway, a ground operator sitting inside the TaxiBot drives the vehicle back to the terminal for the next flight. Currently, four easyJet Airbus A320neo aircraft are permanently equipped with this system.

Environmental and Workplace Benefits

Cutting Carbon and Local Pollutants

The transition to electric taxiing offers substantial environmental advantages. Based on easyJet’s data, the TaxiBot saves an average of 95 kg of fuel and 299 kg of CO₂ per flight. Furthermore, Schiphol projects that widespread deployment on long taxi routes could reduce fuel consumption during taxiing by up to 65%.

Beyond carbon reduction, the technology significantly lowers emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ultrafine particles. This creates a healthier working environment for ground staff by drastically cutting localized noise and air pollution on the apron. Reduced engine usage on the ground may also lower long-term aircraft maintenance requirements.

“TaxiBot is another important step in our mission to operate as efficiently as possible. This technology delivers immediate reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise, while supporting more efficient ground operations at one of Europe’s busiest airports,” stated David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet, in the press release.

Esmé Valk, Chief People & Transformation Officer at Royal Schiphol Group, added: “By deploying the TaxiBot, we’re taking another practical step towards reduced emissions and noise on the apron. This is how we’re creating a healthier and cleaner workplace, and an ever more sustainable and modern airport that is ready for the future.”

Collaborative Deployment and Future Outlook

Scaling Up for 2030

The initiative is backed by the SESAR HERON project, which receives funding from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. Menzies Aviation also played a crucial role in the ground logistics. In the company statement, Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson, EVP Europe at Menzies Aviation, noted that the introduction demonstrates what can be achieved when technology and industry collaboration come together.

Looking ahead, the press release outlines Schiphol’s ambitious target to achieve fully sustainable, emissions-free taxiing operations by 2030. While Schiphol currently operates the only fully electric TaxiBot globally, the airport expects to introduce three additional electric units later in 2026. Efforts are also underway to certify the technology for other aircraft types, including KLM Cityhopper’s Embraer fleet and Transavia’s Boeing 737s.

AirPro News analysis

We view the deployment of the GEN 2 TaxiBot at Schiphol as a highly practical, near-term measure for the aviation sector’s net-zero journey. While SAF and hydrogen propulsion remain long-term goals with significant supply and technological hurdles, ground-based emissions reductions rely on existing, proven technology. If Schiphol’s rollout proves successful at scale, semi-automated, engine-free taxiing could rapidly become a standard feature at major global hubs within the next decade, particularly at airports facing strict local noise and emissions regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a TaxiBot?
A TaxiBot is a semi-robotic, towbarless electric tractor that lifts an aircraft’s nose wheel and tows it from the gate to the runway. It allows the aircraft to keep its main engines turned off during the taxi phase, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

How much fuel does the TaxiBot save?
According to easyJet, the technology saves an estimated 95 kg of aviation fuel and prevents 299 kg of CO₂ emissions per flight.

Who controls the aircraft during towing?
The pilot remains in full control of the aircraft, steering the TaxiBot directly from the cockpit using the standard tiller.

Are other airlines using this technology at Schiphol?
Currently, the fully electric GEN 2 TaxiBot is deployed for easyJet’s Airbus A320neo fleet. However, Schiphol is working on certifying the technology for KLM Cityhopper’s Embraer fleet and Transavia’s Boeing 737s.

Sources

• easyJet Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Acelen Renewables and supplementary market research.

Acelen Renewables, the renewable energy arm of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund Mubadala Capital, has officially announced a US$ 1.5 billion investment to construct a large-scale renewable fuels biorefinery in Bahia, Brazil. Announced on Thursday, May 21, the project marks a significant milestone in the global energy transition and positions Brazil as a central hub for low-carbon Electric-Aviation and transport fuels.

According to the company’s press release, the facility is scheduled to begin commercial operations in 2029. Once online, the plant will have the capacity to produce 1 billion liters, approximately 20,000 barrels per day, of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel (HVO) annually. The facility will be located in São Francisco do Conde, Bahia, adjacent to the existing Mataripe Refinery.

The project is backed by a historic consortium of 12 national and international financial institutions, signaling strong global market confidence in Brazil’s capacity to deliver competitive, large-scale climate solutions.

Project Scope and Financial Structure

A Landmark Consortium

The US$ 1.5 billion investment specifically covers the construction phase of the biorefinery, though supplementary research indicates the total investment for this first integrated unit, including a 10-year agro-industrial development plan, will exceed US$ 3 billion. According to project data, the capital stack consists of US$ 650 million in equity provided by Mubadala Capital, with the remaining US$ 850 million financed through a 5.5-year project finance debt structure.

As detailed in the company’s announcement, the syndicated loan is supported and led by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and HSBC. The broader consortium includes a diverse array of global lenders: First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB), IDB Invest, the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), FinDev Canada, KfW IPEX-Bank, Bradesco, BBVA, and Bank of China.

“We believe that transformative projects require long-term vision, international cooperation, and a commitment to lasting positive impact.”

Technological and Agricultural Innovation

HEFA Technology and the Macaúba Advantage

The Bahia plant will utilize Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) technology, which is currently the most proven and widely adopted pathway for renewable fuel production globally. While the facility will initially be flexible enough to process feedstocks like soybean oil and Used Cooking Oil (UCO), the project’s long-term strategic differentiator is the cultivation of macaúba, a native Brazilian palm tree.

Research reports highlight that macaúba yields up to 10 times more oil per hectare than traditional soybeans. Acelen Renewables plans to plant 180,000 hectares of this native palm exclusively on degraded pasturelands across Bahia and Minas Gerais. This approach is designed to regenerate soil health without competing with food production.

Breakthroughs in Agritech

The commercial viability of macaúba is the result of significant agricultural research and development. Historically, macaúba seeds exhibited a natural germination rate of only 3% to 5%. Through the Acelen Agripark, a US$ 60 million (R$ 314 million) innovation center, and Partnerships with institutions like Embrapa, the company developed protocols that achieved up to an 80% germination rate. This scientific milestone unlocks the potential for commercial-scale cultivation of the plant.

Global Export Strategy and Socioeconomic Impact

De-risking Through Off-take Agreements

Despite pending domestic SAF regulations in Brazil, Acelen Renewables has commercially de-risked the project by looking outward. Market data reveals that 90% of the facility’s future production is already contracted to clients in the United States and Europe. Because SAF and HVO are “drop-in” fuels, they require no modifications to existing aircraft or heavy transport engines, making them highly sought after in markets with strict emission reduction mandates.

Local Regeneration and Job Creation

The environmental and social impacts of the project extend well beyond fuel production. SAF and HVO reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fossil fuels. Furthermore, because the cultivation of macaúba captures carbon in degraded soils, Acelen projects the overall lifecycle of the fuel to be “net-negative” in carbon emissions.

On the socioeconomic front, the company has integrated social inclusion into its supply chain. Through its “Programa Valoriza,” 20% of the macaúba supply will be sourced via partnerships with family farmers and small producers, providing a new economic lifeline for communities in semi-arid regions. The broader integrated project is expected to generate up to 90,000 direct and indirect jobs over the coming years.

AirPro News analysis

We view Acelen Renewables’ final Investments decision as a watershed moment for the Latin American biofuels sector. By securing 90% of its off-take agreements in the US and Europe, Mubadala Capital successfully bypassed the regulatory waiting game regarding Brazil’s domestic SAF mandates. This export-driven Strategy allowed the consortium to confidently deploy US$ 1.5 billion in capital today.

Furthermore, the domestication of the macaúba plant represents a critical leap in sustainable feedstock supply. The jump from a 3% to an 80% germination rate is a prime example of how targeted agritech investments can unlock massive energy transition bottlenecks. If Acelen successfully executes this first facility, it paves the way for its broader vision: a total of five biorefineries in Brazil with an estimated cumulative investment of US$ 12.5 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SAF?

Sustainable-Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid fuel currently used in commercial aviation which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It can be produced from a number of sources (feedstock) including waste oil and agricultural residues.

When will the Acelen Renewables biorefinery open?

Construction is expected to take approximately two and a half years, with commercial operations scheduled to begin in 2029.

Why is macaúba important to this project?

Macaúba is a native Brazilian palm that produces up to 10 times more oil per hectare than soybeans. It can be grown on degraded pasturelands, meaning it does not compete with food crops while simultaneously helping to regenerate the soil and capture carbon.

Sources

• Acelen Renewables Press Release