Willis Lease Finance Corporation has confirmed that its subsidiary, Willis Sustainable Fuels (UK), will build a new SAF plant at Wilton International in Teesside.
The facility will be located within the Wilton International industrial site, which is owned and operated by Sembcorp Utilities (UK). Once operational in 2028, it aims to produce 14,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel annually. The fuel is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 80% compared with traditional jet fuel.
Dr Amy Ruddock, SVP for Strategy, Sustainability and Transformation, highlighted the importance of the location. She said Wilton International offers the infrastructure and strategic positioning required for advanced fuel production. She added that the site will play a vital role in the UK’s energy transition, while also strengthening the local supply chain.
Earlier this year, the UK Department for Transport awarded the project a £2.9 million grant under its Advanced Fuels Fund. The grant will support development from July 2025 to March 2026.
The facility will use sustainable biomethane, sourced from waste, to produce aviation fuel. Willis Sustainable Fuels is collaborating with Johnson Matthey and Axens as technology partners, while McDermott will lead the engineering.
The project is expected to generate around 50 permanent skilled jobs once operations begin. A further 200 positions will be created during construction.
Willis Lease Finance Corporation stressed that the Wilton International site provides the right foundation for advancing sustainable aviation in the UK. The project highlights both environmental responsibility and economic opportunity for Teesside.
