Airbus and HIF Global partner to develop sustainable aviation fuel

Airbus and HIF Global have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through the methanol-to-jet fuel (MtJ) pathway. This partnership aims to reduce the aviation sector’s carbon footprint by producing e-SAF using renewable electricity, water, and recycled carbon dioxide.

The MoU, signed at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK, establishes a framework for Airbus and HIF Global to negotiate definitive agreements in technical, project development, commercial, and advocacy workstreams. The collaboration will leverage HIF Global’s expertise in e-Fuels and Airbus’ leadership in the aviation industry to drive the adoption of e-SAF.

HIF Global’s e-SAF is a type of sustainable aviation fuel produced by combining recycled CO₂ and green hydrogen, generated using renewable electricity. This drop-in fuel can be used in existing aircraft without engine modifications, facilitating a seamless transition to more sustainable aviation practices.

Clara Bowman, chief operating officer of HIF Global, emphasised the urgency of scaling up sustainable fuels to meet the projected doubling of aviation activity by 2030. “Collaboration between HIF and Airbus will help accelerate the airline sector’s adoption of e-SAF and facilitate the industry’s transition to net zero,” she said.

HIF Global is also advancing its SAF production capabilities with agreements involving Johnson Matthey and Honeywell UOP for preliminary engineering of its first SAF facility in the United States. This facility will utilize the MtJ synthesis pathway to produce e-SAF, contributing significantly to global efforts to decarbonise aviation.