On October 15, European energy logistics company Exolum announced a £4.5 million ($6 million) investment to build the UK’s first independent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blending facility at Redcliffe Bay in southwest England. The project marks the first step in creating a national SAF blending hub network to support the country’s transition toward greener aviation.

The new facility will integrate with Exolum’s national aviation fuel pipeline, expanding SAF supply to major airports including Heathrow, Gatwick, Bristol, Exeter, and Cardiff. It is expected to begin operations in 2026, enabling up to 64,000 transatlantic flights between London and New York to operate using low-carbon fuel blends.

Unblended SAF will be shipped to Royal Portbury Dock near Bristol, transferred via pipeline to Redcliffe Bay for storage and blending, and then distributed nationwide. The project includes upgrading existing tanks, pumps, and filtration systems to meet strict SAF technical standards. Exolum said this “SAF highway” will provide vital market access for domestic producers and importers, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel.