Brussels Airport tests mobile Sustainable Aviation Fuel blending plant

Brussels Airport is testing a mobile blending plant for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), marking the first time such a facility has been trialed at a European hub. The pilot project is part of the Stargate project, a multi-year initiative aimed at integrating green technologies into airport operations, which has already included electric ground vehicles and digital cargo systems.

The mobile unit allows airlines to order customized fuel blends, which are then transported to aircraft via specialized trucks. This provides greater flexibility than the current standard underground pipeline system, which is regulated to deliver a minimum 2 percent SAF mandate. By using this mobile system, environmentally conscious airlines can exceed minimum requirements by mixing standard kerosene with renewable alternatives, such as recycled cooking oils, to reduce their carbon footprint.