New MOU to Lend ‘Alcohol-to-Jet SAF Brewing Tech to Airbus Methodology

A memorandum of understanding between Airbus and LanzaJet will result in the production of facilities using the latter’s “leading, proven, and proprietary Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology.”

Airbus says the agreement will speed along the certification and adoption of 100% drop-in SAF, allowing increased output and lower carbon emissions from aviation sources around the world. ATJ tech uses lower=carbon ethanol as an initial feedstock for synthesis, cutting overall gas emissions by more than 70% over traditional petroleum jet fuels. ATJ-derived SAF is “an approved drop-in fuel compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure,” according to Airbus. Building up the firm’s ability to generate additional SAF is vital to boosting its output at this stage in the game, when the tech is new and suitable facilities few. With more approaches to SAF synthesis tested against one another, the industry can ascertain exactly which routes are the most productive before going all-in on mass production.

“SAF is the best near-term solution to reducing aviation emissions and this collaboration between LanzaJet and Airbus is an important step forward in the fight against climate change and enabling the global energy transition,” said Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet. “We look forward to continuing our work with Airbus and further growing our joint impact across the globe.”

“We are delighted to grow our partnership with LanzaJet, a leading company in the SAF production ecosystem. At Airbus we are committed to supporting SAF as a major lever in the reduction of CO2 emissions on the decarbonisation roadmap," says Julie Kitcher, EVP, Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Airbus. “With LanzaJet as a trusted partner, we can support the acceleration of the Alcohol-to-Jet SAF production pathway and at scale. This collaboration will also explore technological developments to enable Airbus aircraft to be capable of flying up to 100% SAF before the end of the decade."

FMI: www.lanzajet.com