Willis Lease Finance Corporation (WLFC) subsidiary Willis Sustainable Fuels (WSF) has selected Wilton International in Teesside for its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project.
The new facility aims to produce 14,000 tonnes of SAF annually beginning in 2028, and is expected to deliver in excess of an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
“Wilton International offers the strategic location and world-class infrastructure necessary for the next generation of SAF production,” said Amy Ruddock, SVP of strategy, sustainability and transformation at WLFC.
The SAF project was recently awarded a £2.9 million ($3.9 million) grant from the UK Department for Transport's Advanced Fuels Fund to support the project from July 2025 to March 2026.
The plant intends to convert sustainable biomethane, sourced from waste, into aviation fuel. WSF is collaborating with Johnson Matthey and Axens as technology partners, with McDermott leading the engineering.