Airbus and LanzaJet, a leading renewable fuels technology company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The MoU establishes a relationship between Airbus and LanzaJet to promote the construction of SAF facilities that will use LanzaJet's patented Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) technology,

"This agreement is also intended to accelerate the certification and adoption of 100 percent drop-in SAF, allowing existing aircraft to fly without fossil fuel. The aviation industry is responsible for about 2-3 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions, and SAF has been identified by airlines, governments and energy leaders as one of the most immediate solutions to decarbonize aviation, along with the renewal of fleets by next-generation aircraft and better operations. "

Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet, said: "SAF is the best short-term solution to reduce aviation emissions and this partnership between LanzaJet and Airbus is an important step forward in the fight against climate change and enabling the global energy transition. We look forward to continuing our work with Airbus and further increasing our collective impact around the world."

LanzaJet's patented ATJ technology uses low-carbon ethanol to create SAF that reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 70 percent compared to fossil fuels and can further reduce emissions with a range of carbon reduction technologies, the release added. SAF produced through LanzaJet's ATJ technology is an approved drop-in fuel that is compatible with existing aircraft and infrastructure.

In addition to working on the technical aspects and on concrete SAF projects, LanzaJet and Airbus will also explore business opportunities around the world with airlines and other stakeholders, the release added.