Manchester Airport Backs £4.5m SAF Funding at Stanlow

Manchester Airport has welcomed the UK Government’s £4.5 million funding boost for the development and production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) at Stanlow, supporting the region’s role in building a domestic SAF industry.

The funding, announced by Aviation Minister Mike Kane, is part of a £63 million package for 17 projects nationwide aimed at accelerating SAF production and supporting up to 1,400 jobs across the UK.

The Stanlow project, led by Essar and NorthPointe Energy, will leverage the existing pipeline supplying aviation fuel directly to Manchester Airport, ensuring airlines have easier access to sustainable fuels.

Supporting Net Zero Goals and Green Growth

Manchester Airport, operated by Manchester Airports Group (MAG), has committed to making its operations net zero by 2038 and helping reduce the emissions intensity of departing flights by 27% per revenue tonne kilometre between 2019 and 2035.

The SAF investment at Stanlow is a key part of UK aviation’s net zero by 2050 strategy, supported by the government’s SAF mandate and Revenue Certainty Mechanism, and is expected to create thousands of new green jobs nationwide.

Industry Leaders Respond

Chris Woodroofe, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:
“We are pleased to see Essar and NorthPointe Energy receive £4.5m to develop SAF production in the North West. This funding means airlines at Manchester Airport will soon have direct access to sustainable fuel through the existing Stanlow pipeline.

“Our region is taking a leading role in building a domestic SAF industry, creating thousands of jobs and supporting UK aviation in reaching net zero by 2050.”