How can lessors align SAF with their leasing interests? SAF is essential to aviation’s path to decarbonisation – but supply isn’t scaling fast enough. Lessors can help change that.
In a recent interview, Eduardo Mariz, Senior Analyst & Sustainability Lead at Ishka, and Dr. Ulrike Ziegler, Managing Director of impact, spoke to Dr. Amy Ruddock, SVP of Sustainable Aviation at Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) about how lessors can play a bigger role in making SAF commercially viable. WLFC is leading by example, currently investing in a 14,000-ton-per-year SAF facility in the UK through Willis Sustainable Fuels.
The company’s first SAF production facility will be located near Teesside International Airport, where the UK plans to build its first SAF handling waterside terminal. WLFC’s facility will use Carbonshift FlexFeed – an innovative technology that is ultimately designed to produce power-to-liquid (PtL) fuel but can flexibly use bio-methane or green hydrogen as its input.
Among the key reasons for WLFC’s decision to invest in SAF production in the UK are:
1. Long-Term Industry Commitment:
WLFC sees sustainable aviation as critical to its long-term success and competitiveness
2. Favourable Regulatory Environment:
UK policies, including SAF mandates, revenue certainty mechanisms, and carbon reduction targets, provide market clarity and support investment
Why should lessors engage in SAF?
🔸 Helping de-risk SAF financing – Integrating SAF certificates into lease contracts could unlock bankable offtake agreements, a major hurdle for SAF developers
🔸 Gaining a competitive edge – Lessors acting as SAF offtakers can offer airlines better access, particularly in regions with limited supply
🔸 Adapting to an evolving aviation landscape – Expanding their role beyond leasing allows lessors to align with industry sustainability demands and regulatory shifts
What’s in it for lessors?
✅ Future-proof their business as sustainability regulations tighten
✅ A growing multi-billion-dollar market with rising demand
✅ Stronger airline partnerships by supporting decarbonisation goals
As Amy highlights: “Any investment in lowering carbon is a commercial investment too – it’s an investment in the future of the industry.”
📣 Want to learn more about WLFC’s SAF investment? Stay tuned for our IMPACT Insights 2025 report – coming soon!
