Minister O'Brien Visits Trinity College Dublin SAF Research Facility at SMBC Aviation Capital Headquarters

Dublin, Ireland - 21 January 2026: Minister for Transport Darragh O'Brien visited the Trinity College Dublin Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Research Facility at SMBC Aviation Capital's headquarters in Dublin earlier this week. The visit underscores Ireland's commitment to advancing sustainable aviation and accelerating the decarbonisation of the global aviation sector.

The research facility, located at SMBC Aviation Capital's Fitzwilliam 28 offices, represents a unique collaboration between the aircraft leasing industry and academia to address one of aviation's most pressing challenges. As the sector works toward net-zero emissions by 2050, Sustainable Aviation Fuel is emerging as the most viable near-term decarbonisation solution available. 

SAF is a "drop-in" alternative to conventional jet fuel that can be used in existing aircraft and engines, resulting in lifecycle CO₂ emissions reductions of up to 70-80%. While challenges around affordability and availability remain, SAF represents the current best option for reducing aviation's carbon footprint in the short to medium term.

The visit comes following the recent publication of Ireland's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap by the Department of Transport, which was assisted by the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Task Force, including aviation lessors and other key stakeholders. The Roadmap identifies key opportunities and pathways for advancing SAF deployment in Ireland.

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Photography © www.alhigginsphotography.com

The Trinity College Dublin SAF Research Facility supports the EU SAF Clearing House, sponsored by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), providing pre-screening and advisory services to early-stage fuel producers. This work bridges critical scientific, regulatory, and commercial gaps that currently inhibit SAF scale-up. The facility, is also supported by Aircraft Leasing Ireland, Ryanair and Research Ireland.

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, said:

“This marks an important opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing collaboration between SMBC Aviation Capital and Trinity College Dublin, with wider support from Aircraft Leasing Ireland, Ryanair and Research Ireland, to progress the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

This collaborative approach exemplifies the commitment of the sector to decarbonising aviation, and acknowledges the crucial role that SAF will play in achieving this.

I would also like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the significant level of engagement my Department received from all stakeholders in the development of Ireland’s first Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap, which I published last summer.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to see first-hand the Trinity College Dublin SAF Research Facility. With implementation of our Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap, the expertise of our academia, lessors, airlines and other key stakeholders, I am confident Ireland will continue to be at the forefront of delivering innovation for the sector.”

Peter Barrett, CEO, SMBC Aviation Capital, said:

“It was a privilege to welcome Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien to the Trinity College Dublin SAF Research facility located at our Dublin headquarters. The development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel is a critical decarbonisation lever for the industry, and meaningful progress depends on strong collaboration between policymakers, academia and the private sector. We are proud to contribute to this effort and this visit reflects the shared commitment to building a more sustainable aviation future.”

Professor Stephen Dooley, Director of the Trinity College SAF Research Facility, said:

“Sustainable Aviation Fuels are the essential method to decarbonise aviation. SAFs are being made from a wide range of non-fossil feedstocks by technological innovations from all over the world. Due to the safety requirements of aviation, all aviation fuels including SAFs are subject to rigorous data intensive technical evaluation. Currently this evaluation is performed on a case by case basis, and this is the work that the SAF Research Facility as partner to the EU SAF Clearing House managed by EASA, performs to advance SAF Producer’s commercial readiness with data that shows they have a viable product, and with coaching to show how the product can be made viable.”

Ireland is uniquely positioned to contribute to global aviation decarbonisation, with more than 50% of the world's leased aircraft owned or managed from the country. SMBC Aviation Capital recognises its responsibility to accelerate the transition to more sustainable aviation. The company aims to own at least an 80% new technology fleet by 2030, supporting airline customers through the provision of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.

SMBC Aviation Capital looks forward to continuing to work with the Department of Transport and stakeholders across the aviation value chain to accelerate the development of a viable SAF market. Together with advances in aircraft technology and operational improvements, SAF will be essential to achieving the industry's net-zero ambitions.

-ENDS-

About SMBC Aviation Capital
SMBC Aviation Capital is one of the largest aircraft leasing companies globally by number of aircraft and benefits from the strong support of its shareholders Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Sumitomo Corporation. SMBC Aviation Capital has a high-quality global airline and investor customer base with a portfolio comprising 87% narrow-body aircraft and 73% new technology aircraft (by net book value). SMBC Aviation Capital has a strong capital position and holds an A- and BBB+ rating with S&P and Fitch respectively, reflecting the long-term strength of its business. For more information, please visit:  www.smbc.aero 

About Trinity College Dublin
Trinity College Dublin, founded in 1592 is Ireland’s oldest university and today has a vibrant community of 22,000 students and 3,500 staff. Cutting edge research, technology and innovation place the university at the forefront of higher education in Ireland and globally. It encompasses all major academic fields, and is committed to world-class teaching and research across the range of disciplines in the arts and humanities, business, law, engineering, science, social and health sciences. Trinity is ranked 1st in Ireland and in the top 100 world universities by the QS World University Rankings.

Resources:
SMBC Aviation Capital SAF video access here. 
SMBC Aviation Capital Sustainability Video access here. 
Ireland's Sustainable Aviation Fuel Policy Roadmap access here.

Media Contacts:
SMBC Aviation Capital
Annabel Fitzgerald
annabel.fitzgerald@smbc.aero 




 

Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien