Swiss International Air Lines is joining forces with the aviation tech startup, Metafuels, to accelerate the development and market introduction of synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) solutions. This collaboration reflects an industry-wide search for cleaner alternatives, aligning with broader goals to cut carbon emissions. Metafuels’ innovative approach aims to address the cost barriers associated with SAF, paving the way for more eco-friendly aviation fuels.
What is the current impact of SAF?
In recent developments, SAF has seen gradual adoption within the aviation sector. Notably, a report from the International Air Transport Association highlighted an increase in SAF production in 2025, yet it constituted a meager 0.6% of the industry’s total fuel use. This limited adoption is primarily due to the high costs and challenges related to sourcing sustainable feedstock. The existing production levels underscore the significant gap that remains to be filled in transitioning towards sustainable aviation.
How do Swiss and Metafuels plan to address these challenges?
Swiss aims to tackle these hurdles through its partnership with Metafuels. Metafuels seeks to produce e-SAF that’s more economical compared to traditional jet fuels, utilizing a method called the “aerobrew” process. This technique involves converting sustainable methanol into jet fuel using renewable energy, potentially diversifying the raw materials utilized for production. Through this strategic alliance, Swiss and its parent, Lufthansa Group, are contemplating long-term commitments to SAF procurement.
Founded in 2021 and based in Zurich, Metafuels has been at the forefront of converting captured CO₂ and green hydrogen into synthetic jet fuel. The startup’s innovation hinges on making sustainable alternatives financially viable, which it hopes will compel greater adoption across the aviation sector. This partnership with Swiss Airlines signals a collective effort to scale these innovations and improve their commercial accessibility.
Saurabh Kapoor, CEO of Metafuels, emphasized this vision by saying,
“We are united with SWISS in our shared objective of paving a viable and scalable way to providing lower-emission air travel. With both rising demand projected and tighter regulatory provisions ahead, synthetic fuels will only gain in importance.”
Swiss Airlines, recognizing the regulatory pressures and rising demand for eco-friendly fuels, is positioning itself as an active contributor towards reducing aviation’s carbon footprint. Jens Fehlinger, CEO of Swiss, stated,
“As an airline, we are doing everything within our power to actively drive the transformation of aviation forward. At the same time, it is clear that achieving our goals will now require industrial-scale production. Sustainable fuels must become available much faster, at affordable prices and in significantly larger quantities in the future.”
The determined collaboration between both companies highlights their commitment to advancing SAF technologies. While challenging barriers such as cost and production capacity remain, this partnership aims to address these issues, making sustainable aviation a more tangible future. The increase in SAF production observed in recent years reflects the industry’s gradual shift towards more sustainable practices; however, expanding production and reducing costs will be critical to achieving net-zero emission targets.
