Oneworld and Breakthrough Energy Ventures Launch $150M Fund to Accelerate Next-Generation SAF

The oneworld airline alliance, together with several of its leading members and Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) – the clean-tech investment fund founded by Bill Gates – has launched a $150 million investment vehicle to speed up the development and commercialization of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Notably, Singapore Airlines, a prominent Star Alliance member, has also joined the initiative.

The cornerstone investors include American Airlines (the world’s largest airline) and the fast-growing Alaska Airlines Group, alongside International Airlines Group (IAG) in Europe, Cathay Pacific in Hong Kong, and Japan Airlines. BEV will act as the fund’s manager, bringing its expertise in climate-tech innovation and early-stage investment to identify and nurture “next-generation SAF solutions” and help build a more diverse and resilient fuel supply chain.

This oneworld–BEV collaboration is part of a wider global effort to scale SAF production at a time when airlines face growing pressure to cut emissions. With passenger demand climbing, aircraft delivery delays forcing the use of older fleets, and persistent disruption in supply chains, the sector is under scrutiny over whether it can realistically meet its climate goals.

Key challenges include shortages of traditional SAF feedstocks, slow progress in expanding production pathways, limited refining capacity, and the financial strain on existing producers. The new fund intends to back technologies with strong potential to both reduce emissions and succeed commercially.