Boeing and Clear Sky, an investment company focused on aviation sustainability, have teamed up to promote green solutions for aviation. Their first project will support Firefly Green Fuels in increasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the UK.
Firefly turns sewage waste into SAF using a process called hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), which converts waste into biocrude oil and biochar. SAF made from this waste cuts CO₂ emissions by over 90% compared to regular jet fuel.
The Clear Sky-led group, including Boeing, plans to invest in Firefly’s new technology, pending final checks. Boeing will help with training and testing to speed up the approval of this new SAF production method.
“SAF is key to decarbonizing aviation,” said Brian Moran, Boeing’s chief sustainability officer. “Clear Sky has the investment and aviation expertise to help scale this technology globally. Firefly’s method has great potential because sewage waste is available everywhere.”
Currently, SAF makes up only 0.1% of global jet fuel use. The UK aims to have 10% SAF in its jet fuel mix by 2030, requiring 1.2 million tonnes of SAF, rising to 7 million tonnes by 2050. Boeing and Clear Sky’s investment in Firefly shows progress toward these goals, as UK sewage waste can provide a significant amount of SAF.
“Firefly is making SAF cost-effective and widely available,” said James Hygate, CEO of Firefly. “With Boeing and Clear Sky’s support, we aim to start commercial production in the UK by 2029 and expand globally.”
Boeing and Clear Sky are also starting an international investment partnership to support sustainable solutions in aviation and related industries. Their focus areas include SAF, alternative propulsion, carbon removal, and advanced materials recycling.
“Boeing is leading the way in aviation’s move toward decarbonization,” said Krishnan Narayanan, Founding Partner at Clear Sky. “We are excited to work with Boeing to scale Firefly and other projects in the future.”
Clear Sky is an international investment firm with the goal of speeding up aviation’s transition to net-zero emissions while providing strong returns for its investors. Its partners include companies from the aviation and chemical industries, as well as financial institutions. Established by RAIN’s financiers and launched in early 2024, Clear Sky is managed by experts from aviation, sustainability, energy, and investment sectors. The firm’s investment focus includes sustainable aviation fuel, carbon capture, alternative propulsion systems, greener ground operations, and materials recycling.
Boeing is a leading global aerospace company that creates, builds, and maintains commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for clients in over 150 countries. As a major U.S. exporter, Boeing utilizes a global network of suppliers to drive economic growth, promote sustainability, and support communities. The company’s diverse workforce is dedicated to future innovation, sustainability, and upholding core values of safety, quality, and integrity.
