Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is the first airline in the world to integrate solar fuel from Swiss cleantech company Synhelion into its regular flight operations. Synhelion delivered a first 190-liter barrel of synthetic crude oil from its DAWN production facility to a refinery in northern Germany, where the crude oil produced using solar energy was processed into certified jet fuel (Jet-A-1), which was then fed into the fuel supply system via Hamburg Airport.

The amount supplied corresponds to approximately seven percent of the fuel required for a flight between Hamburg and Zurich – a symbolic but powerful start. Because what sounds like little is a real milestone for aviation: it shows that Synhelion's technology works and is ready for the next steps. Seamless integration into existing refinery processes is a key prerequisite for the rapid global scalability of Synhelion's technology.

Sustainable fuels such as those produced by Synhelion are crucial to achieving the ambitious climate targets in aviation. It is therefore important that all stakeholders commit to working together with airlines, politicians, industry, research and customers to drive forward their use. As a strategic partner, SWISS has been supporting the commercialization of Synhelion's technology since 2020. SWISS has also been an investor in Synhelion since 2022.

Further steps are necessary before solar fuel can be widely used in aviation. The conditions for continuous production and sufficient production capacities are now being created for commercial market entry from 2027. The EU Renewable Energy Directive stipulates that sustainable synthetic fuels must achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of at least 70% compared to fossil kerosene. The life cycle assessment, which was verified by an independent body, confirms that the fuels produced at the DAWN plant can significantly exceed this target. As a next step, Synhelion and SWISS are now jointly pushing ahead with the sustainability certification of the production process and the fuel in accordance with the requirements of the EU directive.

As part of the Lufthansa Group, SWISS builds on decades of experience in the field of sustainable aviation fuels. The Lufthansa Group participates in research and pilot projects, is involved in industry-wide alliances, and develops innovative SAF offerings for private and business customers. Long-term purchase agreements also send a strong global market signal to actively shape the transformation of the industry.