In a landmark move toward sustainable aviation, Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has become the first airline in the world to incorporate solar fuel produced by Swiss clean-tech company Synhelion into its regular flight operations. This pioneering achievement marks a significant step for both SWISS and Synhelion in the global push to decarbonize the aviation industry.
The breakthrough was realized when Synhelion delivered its first 190-liter barrel of solar-derived synthetic crude oil from its DAWN production facility to a refinery in Northern Germany. There, the oil was processed into certified Jet-A1 fuel using conventional refining methods. The resulting fuel was then supplied to SWISS via the fuel system at Hamburg Airport, where it powered a flight to Zurich.
While the solar fuel accounted for just seven percent of the total fuel needed for the Hamburg–Zurich route, the successful integration demonstrates the viability of Synhelion’s solar-to-fuel technology. Its compatibility with existing refining and airport fueling infrastructure also sets the stage for future scalability — a key requirement for broader adoption across the aviation sector.
“This first delivery of Synhelion’s solar fuel marks a genuine milestone in our long-standing partnership. We have intentionally invested in a Swiss start-up; and we are delighted to celebrate this landmark achievement together. This is the first time that solar fuel has been used in civil aviation. And we are truly proud to be playing such a pioneering role, in partnership with Synhelion, in driving and developing this vital new technology for a more sustainable aviation sector,” confirms SWISS CEO Jens Fehlinger.
Synhelion co-founder and co-CEO Philipp Furler emphasized the importance of the achievement, “Sustainable fuels are a key lever in reducing air transport’s reliance on fossil fuels. Our delivery of this first barrel to SWISS may be a symbolic action. But it’s a concrete one, too, towards a more sustainable aviation sector. This milestone brings us one step closer to globally scaling up our solar fuel technology. And we’re very grateful to have such invaluable support from our partners at SWISS and the Lufthansa Group as we continue on this journey.”
SWISS has been a strategic partner to Synhelion since 2020 and became an investor in 2022. The airline’s commitment underscores the Lufthansa Group’s broader strategy to lead in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The group has been actively engaged in SAF research, pilot projects, and procurement agreements and offers eco-conscious fuel options for both corporate and individual travelers.
Next on the agenda is achieving official sustainability certification under the EU Renewable Energy Directive. Synhelion’s solar fuel has already been verified by independent life cycle assessments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by well over 70% compared to fossil kerosene — surpassing the EU’s minimum threshold.
Looking ahead, Synhelion and SWISS aim to scale production and commercialize solar fuel by 2027. Industry-wide support — from governments, research institutions, and consumers — will be essential in accelerating the adoption of clean aviation technologies. As the first to bring solar fuel into commercial aviation, SWISS and Synhelion have taken a bold step toward a greener future for air travel.