The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Research Facility at Trinity College Dublin has found a new home with the official opening of SMBC Aviation Capital’s global headquarters at Fitzwilliam 28 in Dublin’s city centre. This facility, co-funded by Ryanair and Science Foundation Ireland, aims to support the sustainability of the aviation sector.

The formal opening was attended by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Paschal Donohoe.

Trinity's Dean of Research, Sinéad Ryan, expressed her excitement about the facility, stating, "I am delighted to be here to mark the opening of this very important facility. Sustainable aviation fuels are widely accepted to be the principal measure by which to decarbonise aviation and collaboration with stakeholders is critical to the success of SAF research. Thanks to SMBC Aviation Capital for hosting Trinity's SAF research facility at their new headquarters - this state-of-the-art research infrastructure is crucial for delivering excellent, impactful research. We are all looking forward to seeing the impact this facility will have on making air travel more sustainable."

Peter Barrett, CEO of SMBC Aviation Capital, commented, "This is a hugely significant day in the history and growth of SMBC Aviation Capital. Our new and sustainable global headquarters located in the heart of Dublin represents not just our commitment to Ireland, but also this country’s pre-eminence as the global hub for aircraft leasing. Aviation has a strong heritage in Ireland and we in SMBC Aviation Capital are determined to play our part in securing a vibrant future for the sector. Our new headquarters is the physical embodiment of our commitment to Ireland and our ambition for the future."

The SAF research facility will focus on the research, development, and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels.

Trinity's SAF initiatives include four main projects aimed at making air travel more environmentally friendly:

  1. A ‘prescreening’ service at the European Aviation Safety Authority EU SAF Clearing House helps new SAF producers adhere to the stringent ASTM D4054 fuel evaluation process, ensuring fuel safety and quality.

  2. The Ryanair Sustainable Aviation Research Centre explores ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft and investigates new technologies for cleaner flying.

  3. A partnership with Aircraft Leasing Ireland focuses on producing SAF in Ireland, in collaboration with the University of Limerick.