15-Year SAF Deal For UK’s Largest Regional Airline

Loganair, the UK’s largest regional airline, has secured a landmark 15-year agreement to source sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from ClimaHtech Green Flight, a Belfast-based company. This deal marks a significant step towards reducing the airline’s carbon footprint by embracing next-generation SAF technologies. The partnership will utilise both biomass-derived and electrofuel (e-fuel) production methods, reflecting a broader industry shift towards more sustainable and locally produced aviation fuels amid ongoing global energy challenges. ClimaHtech Green Flight’s approach centres on harnessing the UK’s abundant wind energy resources, particularly focusing on smaller wind farms that are typically incompatible with large-scale fuel production. Their modular, electrically driven platform is designed to operate efficiently alongside intermittent renewable power, converting surplus or curtailed wind energy into sustainable fuels. This decentralised model offers several advantages, including faster deployment, reduced strain on the electricity grid, and the ability to avoid costly infrastructure upgrades, thereby supporting regional energy independence and economic resilience. Loganair’s CEO, Luke Farajallah, highlighted the importance of securing a reliable SAF supply that is produced closer to the airline’s operational hubs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to sustainability and supporting UK supply chains. The initiative not only addresses environmental concerns but also aligns with strategic goals to enhance energy security amid geopolitical uncertainties affecting global fuel markets. By integrating innovative SAF production methods, Loganair aims to position itself as a leader in the transition to cleaner aviation. The UK’s move towards advanced SAF technologies mirrors developments in the United States, where recent commissioning of large-scale biofuel projects has significantly increased production capacity. While the US biofuel industry has traditionally lagged behind other renewable sectors, recent expansions signal growing momentum in sustainable aviation fuel adoption. Together, these trends underscore the increasing importance of SAF in the global effort to decarbonise air travel and reduce reliance on conventional jet fuels.