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British Airways and LanzaJet Companion on Challenge Speedbird in Teesside, Launching a Reducing-Edge Facility to Lead the UK’s Transition to Sustainable Aviation and Cut back Carbon Emissions at Scale
Friday, January 24, 2025
LanzaJet, a world chief in Sustainable Aviation Gas (SAF) know-how and manufacturing, has introduced Teesside’s Wilton Worldwide as the location for its new manufacturing facility, Challenge Speedbird. This groundbreaking growth represents a big step ahead within the international push towards greener aviation.
The corporate has joined forces with Sembcorp Utilities (UK) Restricted, a subsidiary of Sembcorp Industries Ltd, to determine an ethanol-to-SAF manufacturing plant on the strategically positioned Wilton Worldwide web site. In collaboration with British Airways, Challenge Speedbird goals to supply greater than 90,000 tonnes (30 million gallons) of SAF and renewable diesel yearly, bolstering the UK’s efforts to decarbonize its aviation business.
Supported by grant funding from the UK authorities’s Superior Fuels Fund, Challenge Speedbird is about to ship substantial regional advantages. The power is predicted to create round 30 expert, long-term jobs within the space whereas producing gas that might slash internet carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 230,000 tonnes yearly. This discount equates to the carbon footprint of 26,000 home flights operated by British Airways inside the UK.
Because the world pivots towards cleaner power options, LanzaJet’s Challenge Speedbird stands as a testomony to innovation, collaboration, and the shared dedication to a extra sustainable future for aviation.
“Wilton International was selected for its strategic location and advanced infrastructure, essential for SAF production. This selection underscores Teesside’s pivotal role in the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation efforts. By leveraging Wilton International’s capabilities, the project enhances the region’s status as a leader in alternative energy initiatives, contributing significantly to the UK’s clean energy objectives,” stated Jimmy Samartzis, CEO of LanzaJet.
“Through our collaboration with British Airways, we are building a local supply chain for SAF – a critical solution for reducing lifecycle net carbon emissions in aviation – while supporting the UK’s ambition to lead the energy transition. Project Speedbird demonstrates the potential of aligning technology, investment, and partnerships to address the aviation industry’s carbon emissions.”
The power will leverage LanzaJet’s proprietary alcohol-to-jet know-how, already efficiently carried out at its Freedom Pines Fuels facility in Georgia, USA—the world’s first industrial ethanol-to-SAF manufacturing plant. Challenge Speedbird will produce sustainable aviation gas (SAF) utilizing ethanol sourced from environmentally accountable suppliers. Moreover, the initiative will foster important partnerships inside the area, driving financial progress and strengthening the native financial system.
Carrie Harris, Director of Sustainability at British Airways, stated: “We are delighted that LanzaJet has selected Wilton International in Teesside as the site for Project Speedbird. This milestone paves the way for the next stage of this innovative project, which is an important step towards scaling up sustainable aviation fuel production in the UK. SAF will be crucial in helping us reach our net zero goals by 2050, and this development marks significant progress towards producing UK SAF, whilst also supporting local communities and creating green jobs.”
“We are pleased to welcome LanzaJet to our Wilton International site in Teesside. By providing ready-to-go infrastructure, energy and utilities services, we support their efforts in developing sustainable and low-carbon solutions. This collaboration aligns with our commitment to accelerating the UK’s energy transition and industrial decarbonisation. We look forward to partnering with LanzaJet as they play a pivotal role in transforming the aviation sector towards net zero,” stated Mike Patrick, Chief Government Officer of Sembcorp Power UK.
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