Boeing and Technion Partner on Clean Jet Fuel

Boeing just committed millions of dollars to help solve one of aviation's biggest challenges: getting planes off fossil fuels without breaking the bank.

The American aircraft manufacturer is partnering with Technion, Israel's leading technology institute, to develop sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over the next three years. The goal is ambitious but critical: create low-carbon jet fuel that airlines can actually afford to use.

Boeing has pledged that all its commercial airplanes will fly on sustainable fuel by 2030. That's a huge leap considering SAF made up only 0.6% of global aviation fuel in 2025. The company needs breakthrough technology to bridge that gap, and they're betting on Israeli innovation to deliver.

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan called the partnership "historic collaboration of national importance" for Israel's economy and the environment. The university's chemical engineering experts will tackle the massive challenge of making clean fuel at scale.

The approach focuses on using carbon dioxide and hydrogen as raw materials. Prof. Gidi Grader, leading the research, explained they're banking on green hydrogen costs dropping dramatically, similar to how solar panel prices plummeted over two decades.

The Ripple Effect

This partnership could transform flying for everyone. Sustainable aviation fuel can slash carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to current jet fuel, making air travel significantly cleaner without requiring new aircraft designs.

The collaboration will establish only the second experimental fuel-testing facility of its kind worldwide at Technion's campus in Haifa. This lab will become a proving ground for technologies that could be replicated globally.

Boeing Israel President Ido Nehushtan noted that Israeli aerospace suppliers already generate hundreds of millions annually for Boeing. This partnership deepens those ties while advancing technologies that benefit the entire aviation industry.

Dr. Brendan Nelson, Boeing Global's president, praised Israel's problem-solving capabilities during his visit last week. He pointed to Technion's reputation as "the Israeli MIT" and expressed confidence in their ability to crack aviation's emissions puzzle.

The timeline is long-term but realistic. Grader emphasized they're developing technology for 25 years out, when large-scale clean fuel production will be essential and green hydrogen will be economically viable.

If successful, the technology could be deployed worldwide, helping airlines meet climate goals while keeping air travel accessible and affordable for passengers everywhere.