Sustainable Aviation Fuel: from Carbon to Cabin, Scaling the Next Era

What does it truly take to move breakthrough fuel technologies from the lab into the fuel tanks of commercial aircraft? As aviation works to redefine its future, the conversation is no longer centered on distant ambition — it’s about execution, integration, and scale. This panel brings together leadership from Alaska Airlines and Twelve to explore how next-generation fuels are moving from concept to reality through deep collaboration and shared commitment.

Speakers:

Ryan Spies, Managing Director of Sustainability, Alaska Airlines Nicholas Flanders, CEO & Co-Founder, TwelveMelvyn Tan, Propulsion Engineer, Airbus (Sabbatical), Master of Climate Solutions Candidate, UC Berkeley with focus on Sustainable Aviation & Hydrogen

Moderated by Rachel Kyte, UK Special Representative for Climate.

At the center of the discussion is a first-of-its-kind partnership between airline operations and advanced fuel innovation. Together, these companies are working toward a milestone moment: a first flight powered by fuel made from captured carbon, with a date to be announced. This effort represents more than a technical achievement — it’s a signal of what’s possible when bold ideas meet operational rigor and market demand.

The conversation will unpack what it actually takes to bring new fuel pathways into aviation at a commercial level. From navigating infrastructure constraints and certification processes to aligning on cost, supply, and performance, deploying new fuels requires coordination across an ecosystem that was not originally designed for rapid change. Panelists will share firsthand insights into how they are addressing these challenges, what trade-offs are required, and where they see the greatest opportunities for acceleration.

Importantly, this is not a theoretical discussion. It’s a grounded look at how partnerships are reshaping the pace of progress — how airlines are evaluating and integrating new solutions, and how technology companies are designing with real-world deployment in mind from day one. The panel will also explore how these collaborations are helping to de-risk innovation, build confidence across the value chain, and create a viable path toward broader adoption.

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of what “scaling” actually means in this context: not just producing fuel, but delivering it reliably, integrating it seamlessly, and doing so in a way that meets the expectations of both operators and passengers. As the industry continues to evolve, this conversation offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the decisions, dynamics, and partnerships shaping the next era of flight — where carbon is no longer just an output, but a valuable input powering the journey ahead.

​Twelve transforms CO2 into essential products like chemicals, fuels and materials. They are on a mission to build a world made from air and advance the next industrial revolution.

​By registering for this event, you agree to share your registration information with the organizers of SF Climate Week, in addition to Futerra, UC Berkeley's Master of Climate Solutions, and their Solutions House partners.