Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has entered into a long-term fuel supply agreement with Swiss clean technology company Synhelion to buy sustainable aviation fuel. Under the agreement, starting in 2027, SWISS will purchase at least 200 tonnes of solar-based jet fuel from Synhelion every year, marking a new step towards cleaner flying, reports SolarPACES.
The deal makes SWISS the first airline to sign a binding five-year agreement with Synhelion for sustainable aviation fuel. From 2027, Synhelion plans to begin production of renewable synthetic crude oil, known as syncrude, at its first commercial plant. This syncrude will be processed along with conventional crude oil at an existing refinery and refined into standard Jet-A-1 fuel. The process allows fossil crude oil to be replaced with renewable syncrude without any changes to current refinery or airport infrastructure. The fuel will be supplied through the normal fuel distribution system. Synhelion’s jet fuel is produced using renewable energy and sustainable raw materials.
SWISS said the agreement is an important step in reducing emissions from its flight operations. Jens Fehlinger, Chief Executive Officer of SWISS, said the partnership supports the airline’s efforts to cut carbon emissions. He said sustainable aviation fuel plays a key role in SWISS’s long-term plans and that the agreement shows a clear commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.
By signing the offtake agreement, SWISS is also helping Synhelion scale up its fuel production technology. The airline is supporting the company not only as a customer, but also as an investor and strategic partner. The long-term contract gives Synhelion greater certainty, helping it expand production capacity and bring down costs over time.
Synhelion said the agreement shows strong confidence in its technology. Philipp Furler, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Synhelion, said the decision by a major airline to commit early proves that the fuel is ready for wider market use. He said the partnership marks an important step towards commercial production and could encourage other airlines to follow.
A portion of the renewable jet fuel supplied by Synhelion will be sold by SWISS to global logistics company Kuehne+Nagel. The fuel will be used for air cargo operations with Swiss WorldCargo, allowing freight customers to lower emissions linked to international transport.
SWISS has already used Synhelion’s solar fuel in regular flight operations. In July 2025, the airline became the first in the world to do so after Synhelion delivered its first batch of syncrude from its DAWN plant to a refinery in northern Germany. The fuel was processed into certified Jet-A-1 and supplied to aircraft through Hamburg Airport’s existing fuel system.
