Airbus has announced a significant investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technology and production company LanzaJet as part of LanzaJet’s current $100 million funding round. This investment will enable LanzaJet to continue scaling its ethanol-to-SAF technology, with support from other global investors such as MUFG, Groupe ADP, Microsoft, Southwest Airlines, and more.
LanzaJet, founded in 2020 by LanzaTech, has developed the “Alcohol-to-Jet” technology that creates SAF and renewable diesel from sustainable ethanol sources. They are currently starting up their first commercial-scale production plant in Georgia, with an annual production capacity of 10 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel.
Airbus’ investment in LanzaJet aligns with its goals to drive the development of SAF and support the Alcohol-to-Jet pathway. They have set targets to incorporate more SAF into their global fuel mix, with aims to reach 15% by 2024 and at least 30% by 2030. Airbus is already ahead of schedule, having surpassed its 10% SAF use target for 2023.
Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer at Airbus, emphasized the importance of sustainable aviation fuels in decarbonizing the industry and achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Airbus sees partnerships like the one with LanzaJet as crucial for exploring innovative production pathways and scaling SAF production.
The collaboration between Airbus and LanzaJet highlights the growing interest and investment in SAF technology as the aviation industry aims to reduce its carbon footprint and increase sustainability. This partnership signifies a step forward towards a more environmentally friendly aviation sector.
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