Turkish Airlines backs Airbus-anchored SAF fund to secure fuel supply

What's the deal? Turkish AirlinesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has signed an agreement to invest in SAFFA Fund I, LP, an investment fund managed by Burnham Sterling Asset ManagementDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → (BSAM) that aims to accelerate the development and production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

What's the endgame? The airline's investment gives it greater access to SAF initiatives and lets it engage in projects spanning sustainable fuel technologies, feedstock development, and future supply chains. The move supports its long-term growth strategy, sustainability goals, and efforts to strengthen fuel supply security.

More on the fund: Launched in December 2023 and anchored by Airbus, SAFFA Fund focuses on expanding SAF production capacity by investing in technologically mature projects across different production methods and regions. It draws participation from major airlines and global aviation and financial institutions.

What they're saying: "With this investment in the SAFFA Fund we aim not only to contribute to the development of the sustainable aviation fuel ecosystem but also to maintain our active role in supporting innovative projects that shape the future of the industry," said Levent Konukcu, Turkish Airlines chief investment and strategy officer.

The partnership also deepens the carrier's sustainability collaboration with Airbus and supports efforts to cut aviation-sector carbon emissions.

The signal: "Turkish Airlines' commitment to the SAFFA Fund is a strong signal that the world's leading carriers see this transition as essential for the long term," said Michael Dickey Morgan, executive managing director of BSAM. As airlines face pressure to decarbonise, pooling capital into SAF projects across geographies is emerging as a route to both cut emissions and lock in future fuel supply.

Read more: TTN Worldwide