Kenyan startup, Bleriot Group, is preparing to launch its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production operation this year, with plans to produce SAF in commercial quantities in the East African nation by 2027.
Serguei Poppeleer, CEO of Bleriot, told Aviation Week that the company aims to begin its biofuels manufacturing operation in line with Kenya’s upcoming petroleum laws, set to take effect in 2026. These laws are expected to encourage and mandate biofuels production, with further legislation for SAF to follow. Poppeleer also anticipates that neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, and Burundi will adopt similar policies in the near future.
As an initial step, Kenya is considering the introduction of a mandate requiring airlines to blend just 1% of SAF with conventional jet fuel. Poppeleer believes that government policy will be key in driving demand for SAF in East Africa. “We are at a very interesting moment in East Africa as the demand signal created by government policy on SAF is essential for it to happen,” he remarked.
If successful, Bleriot will become one of the first companies to manufacture SAF in Africa. The company has already produced small quantities of SAF using a pilot reactor at its plant in southern Kenya and is now investing in a more efficient second-generation reactor. This new reactor is expected to be operational by the end of the year.
“We are working with the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority on the approval and certification of our feedstock and our SAF,” Poppeleer explained. “The key issue is agreeing on feedstock for SAF production that does not compete with food.” The company is also collaborating with Kenya Airways to advance SAF production.
The first phase of Bleriot’s strategy is to commercialise biofuel production, initially targeting the land transportation market, which is expected to blend 20% biofuels into regular gasoline under Kenya’s new petroleum act. “This is the low-hanging fruit,” Poppeleer noted. “From this point, we would look to develop the SAF business.”
Additionally, Bleriot is promoting a modular SAF production concept, which involves building small-scale manufacturing units at customer sites where SAF is required. “This is a much more scalable and affordable approach, and by blending SAF with jet fuel where it is used, it will reduce trucking costs and the associated environmental impact,” Poppeleer added.
Bleriot’s efforts could mark a significant milestone for Africa’s renewable energy sector, positioning Kenya as a leader in SAF production and offering a sustainable solution to the aviation industry.