August 2, 2023
BY Lufthansa Group
The Lufthansa Group and the HCS Group have signed a letter of intent (LOI) to partner on the production and supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). From the beginning of 2026, the HCS Group could supply the Lufthansa Group with SAF produced in the so-called alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) technology. The SAF, made from biogenic residues from agriculture and forestry, will be produced at the HCS Group production site in Speyer, operated by Haltermann Carless. SAF is a key element for more sustainable flying and thus for decarbonization in aviation.
With its engagement in the HCS Group the Lufthansa Group could support SAF ‘Made in Germany’, compliant with Europe’s Renewable Energy Directive RED II. The production site is logistically favorably located near the Lufthansa Group's Frankfurt hub. The HCS Group offers sustainable hydrocarbon solutions to its customers. With the planned initial production volume of 60,000 metric tons of SAF per year, the chemical company aims to become the first large-scale producer of biogenic SAF in Germany.
The LoI with the HCS Group underpins the Lufthansa Group's goal of driving forward the market ramp-up and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels as a core element of its sustainability strategy. Today, the Lufthansa Group is one of the five largest SAF customers worldwide and is investing up to USD 250 million in the procurement of SAF for the coming years. In addition, the Lufthansa Group is working on numerous projects worldwide to increase SAF availability and is continuously examining further options for long-term purchase agreements.
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