Government backs £63 million push to scale sustainable aviation fuel and boost green aviation jobs

Seventeen UK companies are set to receive a share of £63 million in government funding to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), supporting around 1,400 jobs across the country. Aviation Minister Mike Kane made the announcement on 22 July, reinforcing the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in SAF production.

Government boosts UK’s green future with sustainable aviation fuel investment

The funding is part of the Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF), which has now provided £198 million to scale up clean aviation technologies. This investment will support new fuel development, create skilled jobs, and boost the UK’s green aviation market. SAF, which can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to fossil jet fuel, is seen as vital for aviation’s path to net zero.

Aviation Minister Mike Kane said:

“This £63 million is lift off for Britain’s green aviation revolution. We’re not just backing brilliant British innovation, we’re creating thousands of high-skilled jobs and positioning the UK at the forefront of the global sustainable aviation market. From the labs of Sheffield to the runways of the future – this is how we kickstart economic growth, secure energy independence, and make Britain a clean energy superpower.”

The announcement took place at the University of Sheffield’s Energy Innovation Centre, which previously received £1.5 million from AFF. Professor Mohamed Pourkashanian, Managing Director of the Centre, said:

“It is fantastic to see the University of Sheffield playing a leading role in the development of sustainable aviation fuel and supporting the aviation industry in its efforts to reduce its emissions.”

Funding recipients include OXCCU Tech, which is developing a SAF demonstration plant at Oxford Airport. Andrew Symes, CEO and Co-Founder, said:

“Support from the Advanced Fuels Fund is a key step in scaling our technology… It brings us closer to producing lower-cost, lower-carbon aviation fuel and supports the UK’s ambition to become a global leader in SAF production.”

LanzaJet, partnering with British Airways on Project Speedbird in South Wales, also received support. CEO Jimmy Samartzis said:

“This support demonstrates confidence in LanzaJet’s technology and the critical role ethanol-to-SAF can play in delivering economic growth, creating jobs, and decarbonising air travel.”

The new SAF Bill is expected to give investors confidence, drive carbon savings, and help grow the UK’s green aviation sector.

SIGN ME UP