The Technion and Israel, at the Heart of a Global Revolution: Boeing Begins Developing Tomorrow's Aviation Fuel in Haifa

Innovative collaboration between Boeing and the Technion reaches a practical phase. Yesterday's visit of Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson at the Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) marked the start of the application development phase of SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel), effective today, January 27, 2026.

The joint innovation center, Boeing-Technion Innovative Center for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, was launched in 2023 with the aim of developing a new generation of SAF based on green hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

The new phase is expected to improve processes and lead to commercial production at a competitive cost, while supporting the long-term growth of the aviation industry and promoting energy security.

Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson with Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan. Photo: Rami Shloush, Technion Spokesperson

During the visit, Dr. Nelson was accompanied by Boeing Israel President, Former Israeli Air Force chief Maj. Gen. (res.) Ido Nehushtan, and SAF Project Supervisor Haggai Mazursky. At the Technion, the delegation was welcomed by Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan, Executive Vice President for Research Prof. Noam Adir, Vice President for Innovation and Industrial Relations Prof. Yuval Gareiny, and the Dean of the Technion Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Prof. Gideon Grader from the Wolfson Faculty of Chemical Engineering.

Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson, Boeing Israel President Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan and Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan. Photo: Rami Shloush, Technion Spokesperson

Dr. Nelson noted: "In addition to delivering high-quality fuel-efficient airplanes to our customers, Boeing works globally and regionally to enhance energy security, support the growth of the civil aviation industry, and create new economic opportunities through sustainable aviation fuel and other technologies. We are pleased to partner with Technion and other stakeholders in the SAF Innovation Center to support Israel's aerospace industry."

Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan added, "The partnership with the global aviation leader, Boeing, is, for us, a vote of confidence in the Technion, its researchers, and our technological capabilities. Through this collaboration, Technion experts are taking on a tremendous mission: to develop technologies for producing clean fuels through sustainable processes, thereby making a significant contribution to aviation—and no less importantly, to human health and the environment."

Maj. Gen. (Res.) Ido Nehushtan emphasized Boeing's historical connection to Israel: "Boeing has been active in Israel since before the establishment of the State and serves as an important supplier to El Al and the Israeli Air Force."

Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson at the ceremony. Photo: Rami Shloush, Technion Spokesperson

The project includes 11 faculty members and dozens of research students from five faculties at the Technion, who are working on all aspects of producing SAF fuels, from efficient and safe production through combustion and catalysis processes to an advanced experimental facility that will be the second of its kind in the world.

Despite the challenges of war and the security events of October 7, the decision to continue the research was inspired by a vision of innovation and resilience: "Israel and the Technion can address the emissions challenges of civil aviation and lead global innovation," concluded Dr. Nelson.

Boeing Global President Dr. Brendan Nelson, Boeing Israel President Maj. Gen. Ido Nehushtan and Technion President Prof. Uri Sivan. Photo: Rami Shloush, Technion Spokesperson