Swiss: First Airline to Use Solar Fuel

March 3, 2022

Swiss Air Lines, the subsidiary of Lufthansa, plans to become the world’s first airline to use solar fuel.

Overview:

Lufthansa and Swiss have started strategic cooperation with the manufacturer Synhelion for market launch.
This year, in Jülich, in Germany’s North-Rhine Westphalia state, the first plant for industrial production is to be built. In 2023, Swiss will be the first customer.
Under this deal, the Lufthansa Group and Swiss will help in developing the commercial fuel production facilities in Spain that have been planned by Synhelion.

How is this fuel produced?

Technology has been developed for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from renewable energy sources by Synhelion, a spinoff from the Swiss Institute of Technology in Switzerland. Syngas (synthesis gas) is produced by concentrated solar heat, which can then be converted into kerosene. According to the airline, when the solar fuel is combusted, it will only produce as much carbon dioxide as it went into making it, helping to reduce aviation emissions.

About Swiss Airlines

Swiss International Air Lines AG, also known as Swiss or Swiss Air Lines, is Switzerland’s flag carrier, providing scheduled services throughout Europe as well as to Asia, South America, North America, and Africa. Its sole hub is Zurich Airport, with Geneva Airport serving as a focus city. Following the bankruptcy of Swissair, the country’s then-flag carrier, in 2002, the airline was created. Dieter Vranckx is the CEO.

About Lufthansa Group

The Lufthansa Group is a holding company whose name comes from Lufthansa, Germany’s flag carrier and largest airline. Swiss International Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, and Eurowings are all part of the Lufthansa Group. Carsten Spohr is the chairman of this company.

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