oneworld Alliance Joins Forces with Breakthrough Energy Ventures to Promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel Investment

The Future of Flight: oneworld Alliance and Breakthrough Energy Ventures Unite for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Investment

In a monumental move towards greener aviation, oneworld alliance and its member airlines are partnering with Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV) to establish a new investment fund aimed at revolutionizing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technologies. The newly launched fund, known as the oneworld BEV Fund, has successfully closed an initial investment of $150 million, with cornerstone contributions from prominent airlines like Alaska Airlines and American Airlines.

Launching a Sustainable Future

On September 17, 2025, this groundbreaking initiative was unveiled, signaling a concerted effort to tackle the challenges associated with the limited availability and high costs of current Sustainable Aviation Fuels. With the aviation industry generating an astounding $4.1 trillion in economic activity and employing nearly 86.5 million people globally, the need for sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent.

The overarching goal of the oneworld BEV Fund is to identify, develop, and scale the next-generation of aviation fuel solutions that are not only cost-effective but also contribute to reducing emissions significantly compared to conventional fuels. As the aviation sector grapples with pressing environmental concerns, this initiative highlights a proactive approach towards creating a more sustainable future for air travel.

Collaborative Effort for Economic and Environmental Gains

American Airlines CEO, Robert Isom emphasized the strategic importance of this investment, framing it as a business decision centered on accelerating the development of innovative technologies. According to Isom, adopting next-generation fuel options will not only meet customer demands but also ensure the competitiveness of airlines in a rapidly evolving market.

Moreover, Alaska Airlines' CEO, Ben Minicucci, expressed excitement about the alliance, asserting that collaboration with oneworld carriers represents a pivotal step in the energy transformation of the aviation industry. This partnership with BEV, known for its deep technical expertise in climate technology investments, aims to create a viable market for sustainable fuels that can power aircraft in the future.

Addressing the Complex Challenges of SAF

One of the challenges SAF has faced is scaling production while maintaining competitive pricing. The oneworld BEV Fund is committed to driving technology innovation that supports the growth of alternative fuel markets to meet the long-term needs of the aviation industry. By developing a diverse and resilient SAF supply chain, the fund hopes to create economic value not only for investors but also for regions around the world.

As part of a joint statement, Nat Pieper, CEO of oneworld, reiterated the alliance's dedication to addressing carbon emissions through collective action, as they work towards a sustainable aviation sector. The collaboration aims to leverage the unique strengths of each member airline to expedite the adoption of innovative fuel solutions globally.

The Role of Breakthrough Energy Ventures

Breakthrough Energy Ventures, founded by Bill Gates, will act as the fund's investment manager. Equipped with a comprehensive diligence model and extensive experience supporting early-stage climate technology companies, BEV aims to nurture advancements that can combat emissions effectively. Removing the barriers held against conventional fuels, BEV endorses the perception of SAF as a present solution for the aviation sector, proposing significant progress as necessary for achieving a more sustainable future.

An Industry-Wide Commitment

The oneworld BEV Fund also boasts support from other airlines within the oneworld alliance, such as International Airlines Group (IAG), Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines, alongside non-alliance investors like Singapore Airlines. Each airline echoes the notion of collective action as the key to unlocking the full potential of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, advocating for supportive policy frameworks that will facilitate necessary investments in fuel production and infrastructure.

With global air travel demand set to increase in the coming years, the aviation sector stands at a crossroads. Sustainable Aviation Fuels, which have the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% when compared to conventional fuels, represent a critical instrument for mitigating environmental impacts. The investment in SAF technologies marks a significant step forward in addressing the climate crisis while ensuring the future vitality of commercial aviation.

In conclusion, the collaborative initiative from oneworld alliance and Breakthrough Energy Ventures demonstrates the airline industry’s commitment to sustainable practices. By pooling resources and expertise, these entities are not only investing in cleaner technologies but also championing the need for an innovative and responsible aviation sector that prioritizes environmental integrity as part of its core business strategies.