LanzaJet works with biodiesel producer BioD to develop SAF project in Colombia

LanzaJet announced May 9 the launch of a feasibility study with BioD to develop the first sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production plant in Colombia, setting a milestone as one of the pioneering SAF production initiatives in the Latin American region.

BioD is a Colombian company and a national leader in sustainable biodiesel production, with over 17 years of operation.

BioD plays an active role in the decarbonization of heavy-duty road transportation in Colombia, in the maritime sector, and the company is currently developing a project focused on SAF production.

According to LanzaJet, this project represents a concrete commitment to the future of sustainable aviation anchored in a shared vision, “A Gift from the Earth to the Sky.” 

After more than three years of thorough evaluation of over 20 technologies, BioD has selected the alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology developed by LanzaJet, a global leader in scalable ethanol-to-SAF conversion solutions.

The feasibility study will assess the technical, economic and operational requirements to successfully and sustainably implement this technology in the country. 

“This is not just theory — it’s about building the future starting today,” said Carolina Betancourt, the head of the bioenergy business unit and project leader at BioD. 

“Our commitment is to produce SAF in Colombia using agroforestry residues and energy crops eligible under CORSIA, creating a positive impact on both the local economy and the environment,” she added.

This ambitious study positions the project as a regional benchmark in Latin America to produce SAF, and it marks a decisive step toward integrating SAF into Colombia’s energy matrix by 2029.

The initiative supports diversification, energy transition and the transformation toward innovative solutions for the aviation sector. 

Additionally, the project aligns with Colombia’s national SAF roadmap, reinforcing the country’s strategic role in developing a productive and sustainable industry that connects rural areas with industrial transformation and social inclusion. 

“This feasibility study is an important milestone for Colombia and for the growth of SAF across Latin America,” said LanzaJet CEO Jimmy Samartzis.

“We’re proud to bring our leading ATJ technology to this partnership with BioD and to support Colombia’s efforts to build a more sustainable energy future,” he said.

LanzaJet said through this partnership, it and BioD reaffirm their commitment to decarbonizing the aviation sector through innovation and consolidate their leadership in the transition to sustainable aviation.