SWISS partners with Metafuels to secure long-term access to synthetic SAF

Switzerland’s national carrier SWISS has signed a partnership with e-fuels producer Metafuels that includes the prospect of long-term procurement commitments.

SWISS, including its Lufthansa Group, announced the collaboration with Swiss-based Metafuels, which has developed a process that converts green methanol into aviation fuel.

The technology works with both biomethanol and e-methanol feedstocks and is designed to slot into existing aircraft and airport infrastructure without modification.

“We do not want to wait on the sidelines, but actively contribute to making synthetic fuels market-ready and scalable,” said Jens Fehlinger, SWISS CEO. “Sustainable fuels must become available much faster, at affordable prices and in significantly larger quantities.”

Metafuels is currently building a demonstration plant at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Villigen, Switzerland, alongside its first commercial facility in Rotterdam.

Landing SWISS as its first airline partner gives the startup both the offtake credibility and the strategic visibility that early-stage SAF producers need to advance towards final investment decisions.

“It’s particularly significant that we have secured SWISS, Switzerland’s national airline, as our first partner from the aviation sector,” said Saurabh Kapoor, Metafuels CEO.

No volumes or financial terms were disclosed.