The aviation industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation as it embraces cleaner energy solutions. Three SPIN members, Pilatus Aircraft, Synhelion and Airborn Fuels Switzerland AG, are leading the charge. They have bold initiatives that aim to defossilize aviation. These initiatives also reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Their recent announcements mark significant progress toward a sustainable future for aviation, highlighting their commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

Pilatus Aircraft Partners with Synhelion for Solar Fuel Offtake Agreement

On September 30, 2024, Swiss plane manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft Ltd and Synhelion made a significant move toward sustainable aviation. They signed a five-year solar fuel offtake agreement. This landmark agreement will see Pilatus acquire 200 tons of solar kerosene annually from Synhelion starting in 2027. The fuel will be produced at Synhelion’s first commercial solar fuel plant, RISE, in Spain.

This partnership reflects Pilatus’ long-term dedication to renewable fuel technologies. CEO Markus Bucher expressed enthusiasm, stating, “We believe that solar fuels are the best way to rapidly defossilize aviation.” Pilatus plans to use the solar kerosene in its own fleet for test flights. They will conduct demonstration flights of their signature aircraft, the PC-12 and PC-24. Afterward, they will offer the fuel to customers.

Pilatus’ decision to become a shareholder in Synhelion further demonstrates the company’s commitment to scaling up renewable aviation fuels. Synhelion’s solar fuel technology was first showcased at their DAWN demonstration plant earlier this year. It is rapidly gaining traction. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the global effort to defossilize transportation.

Airborn Fuels Switzerland AG Launches Feasibility Study for Synthetic Jet Fuel Demonstration And Innovation Plant

On the same day, Airborn Fuels Switzerland AG announced the launch of a feasibility study. This study focuses on developing a synthetic jet fuel demonstration plant. It will also act as a platform for innovation. The project is called DIPS, which stands for Demonstration Plant and Innovation Platform for Synthetic Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Sisslerfeld. This project aims to contribute to the aviation sector’s climate goals by advancing the production of sustainable kerosene from methanol. The study is conducted by AFRY Switzerland Ltd. It collaborates with technology partner Casale SA. The focus will be on the production of eMethanol as a precursor to synthetic kerosene.

This initiative is supported by the Canton of Aargau. It is seen as a valuable addition to the Reallabor Sisslerfeld, a pioneering hub for energy and mobility innovation. The platform aims to foster further research and development in sustainable aviation fuels. It also intends to provide commercially viable quantities of eMethanol for industrial use. The project is backed by a wide range of partners. These include Groupe E, Cat Aviation AG, and Pilatus Aircraft. It is also supported by research institutions such as ETH Zurich and the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI).

Driving Innovation for a Climate-Neutral Future

Both Pilatus Aircraft and Airborn Fuels Switzerland AG are at the forefront of the movement to make aviation greener. Pilatus’ partnership with Synhelion marks a pivotal moment for the commercialization of solar fuels. Airborn Fuels’ demonstration plant project seeks to propel synthetic kerosene production forward through cutting-edge research and development.

These efforts align with the broader mission of the Swiss Power-to-X Collaborative Innovation Network (SPIN). SPIN is dedicated to creating new energy solutions. These solutions drive defossilization across industries. As more companies embrace synthetic fuels, the aviation industry is positioned to make meaningful progress toward its climate targets. This helps reduce its environmental impact. Simultaneously, it maintains the connectivity the world depends on.

A Bright Future for Sustainable Aviation

The actions taken by Pilatus Aircraft and Airborn Fuels Switzerland AG exemplify the pioneering spirit driving the transformation of aviation. Their innovations in solar and synthetic fuels are vital steps toward achieving a climate-neutral future. As both companies continue to scale their efforts, they set a powerful example for others in the industry. This illustrates how collaboration and cutting-edge technology can help overcome one of the greatest challenges of our time: defossilizing aviation.

SPIN DAY To Find Solutions

The industry is ready and willing to defossilize. The question remains why there are so many obstacles in scaling up production of synthetic fuels. Why can banks not finance, why are investors hesitant? These questions will be highlighted during SPIN DAY 2024. This event is the second of the Power-to-X Days, taking place on 6 and 7 November 2024.

Secure your ticket now and join the discussion: https://power-to-x-days.ch