On June 29, 2026, KBR announced its selection by Keppel Ltd. and Aster Chemicals and Energy to provide technology licensing and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for a proposed 100,000-ton-per-year SAF (SAF) facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.

The planned facility is envisioned as Asia’s first commercial-scale ethanol-to-jet (EtJ) SAF plant. According to the KBR press release, the project will utilize the company’s PureSAF technology to produce a 100% drop-in jet fuel, supporting Singapore’s national mandate to increase sustainability usage across the aviation sector.

PureSAF technology and project scope

The Jurong Island facility will leverage PureSAF, a technology originally developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and engineered for commercial-scale production by KBR, which holds the exclusive global license. The process is designed to convert ethanol into aviation fuel that requires no blending with conventional Jet A or Jet A-1 before use.

In a statement accompanying the announcement, KBR President and CEO Stuart Bradie highlighted the system’s flexibility.

“KBR’s PureSAF is a feedstock-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver a 100% drop in jet fuel, ready to power aircraft without blending. We are constantly innovating our SAF solution to make it compatible with feedstock availability in different regions and to enable the aviation industry to transition to low-carbon jet fuel with a cost-optimized approach.”

The FEED study will determine the technical configuration and project capital expenditure required for the facility. The development remains subject to regulatory approvals and a final investment decision (FID) by the project partners.

Aligning with Singapore’s aviation mandates

The selection of KBR follows a January 28, 2026, agreement between Keppel’s Infrastructure Division and Aster to jointly assess the development of the Jurong Island site. Aster operates as a joint venture between Indonesian petrochemical company Chandra Asri and Swiss commodities trader Glencore.

The proposed 100,000-ton annual production capacity aligns directly with targets set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Starting in 2026, the CAAS mandates a 1% SAF uplift for all departing flights from the country, with a stated goal of increasing that requirement to between 3% and 5% by 2030.

Alongside the SAF plant contract, KBR and Keppel signed a Memorandum of Intent to collaborate on broader energy transition initiatives. The companies plan to explore technologies related to waste-to-energy, plastic recycling, biofuels, and artificial intelligence-driven digitalization.

AirPro News analysis

We view the progression of the Jurong Island project to the FEED stage as a critical indicator of the Asia-Pacific region’s readiness to scale SAF production. While North America and Europe have led early SAF capacity investments, Singapore’s firm regulatory mandate provides the demand certainty required to underwrite commercial-scale facilities in Southeast Asia. The choice of an ethanol-to-jet pathway is particularly notable, as it allows operators to bypass the constrained supply of fats, oils, and greases that limit hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) production volumes. The project’s ultimate realization hinges on the upcoming final investment decision, which will test the commercial viability of the EtJ process in the current economic environment.

Sources: KBR

Mako Aerospace, a Scottish aerospace startups developing all-electric jet engine technology, has indicated the closure of a $28 million Series A funding round to advance its propulsion systems.

A URL published on the company’s domain outlines the capital injection for the Dunfermline-based manufacturers. Mako Aerospace is currently developing “The Forerunner,” an all-electric jet engine prototype utilizing superconductor technology designed to extend the range of electric aircraft.

Advancing all-electric propulsion

Led by Chief Executive Officer Kieran Duncan and Chief Operations Officer Pia Saelen, Mako Aerospace is focused on reducing operating expenses for aircraft operators. The company targets a 70% reduction in fuel costs compared to traditional turboprop engines using its proprietary technology.

In September 2022, Mako Aerospace announced a partnerships with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to manufacture the prototype of its electric jet engine. The reported $28 million Series A would provide the capital required to scale this development and pursue experimental certification for the propulsion system.

Funding verification and industry context

The $28 million funding figure originates from a dedicated URL on the Mako Aerospace website. The primary press release is not currently accessible through public web searches, and the funding round has not yet been confirmed by regulatory filings or secondary financial press.

If completed, a $28 million Series A represents a substantial investments in the electric aviation sector. Startups developing novel propulsion systems require significant early-stage capital to transition from conceptual design to physical prototyping and testing.

AirPro News analysis

We note that while the $28 million figure is substantial for a regional aerospace startup at this stage, the lack of accessible public filings or widespread syndication of the press release warrants caution. Developing an all-electric jet engine using superconductors is a highly capital-intensive process. If the funding is fully realized, it will likely bridge the gap between the NMIS-supported prototype phase and initial ground testing. Certification by aviation authorities remains a distant and expensive hurdle for any novel propulsion technology.

Sources: Mako Aerospace

Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has selected Astronics Corporation (NASDAQ: ATRO) to supply the low-voltage power distribution system for its Valo electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, securing a critical component as the manufacturers advances toward its Critical Design Review (CDR).

In a press release issued on June 29, 2026, the London-based aerospace company announced the long-term agreement with the New York-based supplier. Astronics will provide its CorePower system, which is designed to convert high-voltage power from the aircraft’s propulsion architecture into low-voltage power required for avionics, flight controls, and other essential flight systems.

Power distribution architecture

The integration of the CorePower system addresses a fundamental engineering requirement for electric aviation. The system manages the step-down conversion from the high-voltage battery and propulsion networks to the low-voltage systems that keep the aircraft flying safely.

“Our CorePower system is purpose-built for eVTOL applications, combining high-voltage power conversion with low-voltage power distribution delivering reliable, fault-protected power to flight-critical systems including avionics, flight controls, and navigation,” stated Jon Neal, President of Astronics Advanced Electronic Systems.

The agreement with Astronics is part of Vertical Aerospace’s broader push toward its CDR. This review will establish the certifiable design baseline for the Valo aircraft, allowing the company to transition into certification-conforming production and testing.

“Building a certifiable aircraft requires not only breakthrough technology, but also a world-class supplier ecosystem,” said Stuart Simpson, CEO of Vertical Aerospace. “Astronics brings deep expertise in aircraft electrical power systems and has already demonstrated its capabilities through our flight test programme. This agreement is another important step as we mature Valo’s design, strengthen our supply chain and advance toward certification and commercial production.”

Expanding the supplier ecosystem

Astronics joins a growing list of aerospace suppliers partnering with Vertical Aerospace. The company previously selected Hyundai WIA for the aircraft’s landing gear on May 21, 2026. Other established partners on the Valo program include Honeywell, Aciturri, Evolito, Syensqo, and Isoclima.

The supplier announcement follows recent operational milestones for the Valo program. On June 9, 2026, Vertical Aerospace completed the first piloted flight of its final full-scale prototype. The company is targeting a cruise speed of 150 mph and a range of 100 miles for the production aircraft, which currently holds approximately 1,500 pre-orders globally. The development program is supported by a comprehensive financing package of up to $850 million, which closed on April 20, 2026.

AirPro News analysis

The selection of Astronics highlights a maturing phase in the eVTOL sector where manufacturers are shifting from conceptual prototypes to certifiable, production-ready designs. By partnering with established aerospace suppliers rather than attempting to design complex subsystems in-house, Vertical Aerospace reduces its certification risk. The CorePower system is already a known quantity in traditional aviation. Adapting it for the Valo aircraft provides regulatory authorities with familiar technology, which we view as a strategic advantage as the company navigates the complex certification pathways ahead.

Sources: Vertical Aerospace via Business Wire