Swiss airline initiates incorporation of Synhelion's solar-generated fuel into its flight operations, marking a pioneering moment.
In a groundbreaking development, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has integrated solar fuel manufactured by Synhelion into its regular flight operations, making it the first airline in the world to do so. This significant milestone marks a concrete step towards a more sustainable aviation sector and lowering carbon emissions in air transport [1][2][4].
The Lufthansa Group, which includes SWISS, has been at the forefront of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) development for decades. With numerous innovative SAF products and incentives for both corporate and private customers, the Group is actively shaping the industry's transformation [3].
Synhelion, a Swiss-based clean-tech company, delivered a first 190-liter barrel of synthetic crude oil to a refinery in Northern Germany, which was processed into Jet-A-1 aviation fuel. This solar fuel accounts for seven percent of the fuel required for a Hamburg-Zurich flight [5].
The solar fuel was fed into SWISS's flight operations infrastructure via the fuel supply system at Hamburg Airport. SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger stated that the first delivery of Synhelion's solar fuel marks a significant milestone in their partnership and a pioneering role in driving and developing sustainable aviation technology [6].
Synhelion's solar fuel offers several key advantages. Firstly, it uses renewable solar energy, dramatically cutting lifecycle CO₂ emissions compared to conventional fossil jet fuel [1]. Secondly, the solar fuel can be processed in existing refineries and integrated into current airport fuel systems, enabling scalable adoption without disruption [1].
This initial volume of 190 liters, although small, demonstrates the technology’s readiness and supports future commercial scaling targeting broader deployment by 2027 [5]. Synhelion and SWISS are jointly driving forward the sustainability certification of the production process and the fuel in accordance with the requirements of the EU directive [7].
The Lufthansa Group's actions send a strong signal to the global fuel markets [3]. SWISS's early investment and partnership with Synhelion exemplify a commitment to innovative SAFs aligned with their aggressive climate goals to halve net carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 [3].
This integration contributes to more sustainable aviation by reducing the airline's reliance on fossil fuels through the use of a clean, renewable aviation fuel. As such, it provides a concrete step towards lowering carbon emissions in air transport and helping the industry meet ambitious carbon reduction targets [1][2][4].
Tatiana Rokou, news coordinator for Media Network, reported on this development. Tatiana holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and has extensive experience in the economic media sector [8].
References: 1. Synhelion Press Release 2. Lufthansa Group Press Release 3. Lufthansa Group Website 4. SWISS Press Release 5. BBC News Article 6. Air Transport World Article 7. Green Air Online Article 8. Media Network About Us
- The strategic partnership between SWISS and Synhelion, with its focus on environmental-science and technology, serves as a pivotal step in the Lufthansa Group's commitment to shaping a more sustainable aviation sector through innovative developments in science.
- By incorporating Synhelion's solar fuel into their business operations, SWISS is not only endeavoring to lower carbon emissions in air transport but is also actively seeking to integrate finance-friendly, renewable solutions within their operations, demonstrating a strong alignment with their ambitious climate goals.
- As the initial adopter of Synhelion's solar fuel, SWISS promotes an integrated approach in its aviation operations, merging environmental-science advancements with mainstream fuel infrastructure, ultimately supporting the scalable adoption and broad deployment of sustainable aviation technology.
