Summary
- Lufthansa Group partners with HCS Group to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Speyer, Germany.
- The collaboration allows Lufthansa Group to further its sustainability strategy and increase the usage of SAF.
- The HCS Group will initially produce 60,000 metric tons of SAF per 12 months, with potential for expansion and production closer to Lufthansa Group’s other airport hubs.
The Lufthansa Group and Frankfurt-based leading international supplier of high-value hydrocarbon manufacturer HCS Group have recently signed a Letter of Intent to partner on the production and provide of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Starting in 2026, the HCS Group will supply the Lufthansa Group with SAF produced from its site in Speyer, operated by Haltermann Carless.
SAF made in Germany
Produced within the so-called Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) technology, the SAF produced will likely be a vital element for greener flying and aid within the decarbonization of aviation. And with this latest engagement within the HCS Group, the Lufthansa Group can support SAF ‘Made in Germany,’ which can comply with Europe’s Renewable Energy Directive Red II.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
Under this directive, member states of the European Union have specific national renewable energy targets whereby progress is measured every two years. The RED II section further defines a series of sustainability and greenhouse gas emission criteria that bioliquids utilized in transport must comply with to be counted towards the general 14% goal and to be eligible for financial support by public authorities.
Because the SAF will likely be produced in Speyer, it is a win-win for the Lufthansa Group to support this directive. The added win comes since the manufacturing site can also be logistically situated favorably near its Frankfurt Airport hub, further increasing the short-term convenience and availability of the anticipated biofuel for the airline group.
Sustainability with the Lufthansa Group
The signing of this Letter of Intent with the HCS Group also further underpins the Lufthansa Group’s goal of pushing forward the market ramp-up and overall use of SAF as a strong element in its sustainability strategy. As of today, the airline group is considered one of the five biggest SAF customers worldwide and remains to be investing as much as $250 million for SAF procurement in the approaching years.
Photo: Suparat Chairatprasert | Shutterstock
And besides the large procurement and dealing with the HCS Group, the Lufthansa Group is concurrently working on several projects worldwide to extend SAF availability locally and worldwide, examining further options for long-term purchase agreements and various other initiatives to support climate research.
This includes equipping three aircraft with measuring instruments from the European research company IAGOS. A Lufthansa Airbus A340-300 registered D-AIGT was the primary aircraft to develop into the world’s first airline to take-off with the brand new IAGOS measurement system in 2011, and the second system was installed on one other Lufthansa Airbus widebody, an A330-300 registered D-AIKE in 2015.
The third was a converted Airbus A330-300 registered D-AIKE from Eurowings Discover last 12 months. And from next 12 months onwards, a 3rd Airbus widebody from Lufthansa will develop into the fourth aircraft installed with IAGOS measuring systems. The A350-900 is registered D-AIXN and can follow suit in collecting comprehensive climate data during regular passenger flights.
Photo: Kevin Hackert | Shutterstock
Bottom line
Under this latest collaboration, the Lufthansa Group can expect the HCS Group to supply an initial volume of 60,000 metric tons of SAF per 12 months, with production anticipated to scale up at any time when possible steadily and, perhaps, an expanded production site that will likely be closer to the airline group’s other airport hubs like Munich Airport.