The Singapore Airlines (SIA) Group has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aether Fuels, a climate technology company, to explore the procurement of neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Aether Fuels plans to establish SAF production facilities in the United States and Southeast Asia, marking a significant step in the aviation industry’s push toward decarbonization, according to the press release
Under the agreement, the SIA Group intends to purchase neat SAF for five years once Aether’s production plants become operational, with an option to extend the partnership for an additional five years. The neat SAF will be blended with conventional jet fuel and supplied to key airports served by Singapore Airlines and its budget carrier, Scoot.
Aether Fuels will utilize waste carbon feedstock to produce SAF through its proprietary Aether Aurora™ technology. This innovative approach is designed to lower plant capital costs, enhance production efficiency, and deliver higher SAF yields compared to traditional methods.
Commitment to Sustainability
Lee Wen Fen, Chief Sustainability Officer of Singapore Airlines, emphasized the importance of the partnership in the airline’s broader sustainability strategy. “This collaboration is a pivotal step in the SIA Group’s journey toward achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By working with forward-thinking partners like Aether, we aim to accelerate the adoption and scalability of SAF, paving the way for more sustainable air travel,” she said.
Aether Fuels, incubated and funded in 2022 by Xora, a deep tech venture firm supported by Temasek, has rapidly expanded its operations. The company has strengthened its presence in Southeast Asia while growing its research and development hub in Chicago. Its upcoming commercial-scale production projects in the U.S. and Southeast Asia will produce SAF certified under the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). These projects are expected to achieve a minimum greenhouse gas reduction of 75%, aligning with global aviation sustainability goals.
Driving Innovation in SAF Production
Conor Madigan, CEO of Aether Fuels, highlighted the significance of the partnership with the SIA Group. “We are honored to join the SIA Group’s network of SAF innovators. Their decarbonization targets are inspiring innovation across the supply chain and motivating companies like Aether to develop cutting-edge production solutions. This collaboration will enhance our understanding of customer priorities and the SAF market, particularly in Southeast Asia, accelerating our path to commercialization,” he said.
Phil Inagaki, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Xora and Board Chair of Aether Fuels, praised Singapore’s supportive ecosystem for deep tech innovation. “Singapore Airlines’ commitment to sustainability and SAF adoption is commendable. Aether’s Aurora™ technology enables the production of SAF with the lowest green premium and the most flexible feedstock options. This partnership reflects a shared vision and will undoubtedly drive faster innovation and adoption of SAF,” he stated.
A Step Toward Greener Skies
The collaboration between the SIA Group and Aether Fuels underscores the aviation industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. By leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable feedstock, the partnership aims to make SAF more accessible and cost-effective, contributing to a greener future for air travel.
As the global aviation sector continues to prioritize sustainability, initiatives like this highlight the critical role of innovation and collaboration in achieving long-term environmental goals.
