Combustion engines to financial engines: Willis Lease Finance Corp move into e-fuels

This week Al sat down with Austin Willis, CEO, Willis Lease Finance Corporation to discuss their diversification into Sustainable Aviation Fuel production. The conversation unpacks the transformative journey of Willis Lease, from its roots leasing engines to a broad-spectrum powerhouse, and shines a spotlight on their pioneering endeavour to produce sustainable aviation fuel in Teesside, UK. With a blueprint for a greener horizon, Willis Lease is charting a course for 2026, aiming to power the skies with synthetic fuels.This episode is  a realistic look at the hurdles and headwinds the aviation industry faces as we transition into sustainable practices. Austin Willis gives us a technician's tour into the intricate world of Power-to-Liquid technology, the cornerstone of their sustainable fuel vision. He shares the environmental and economic challenges, from feedstock scarcity to investment complexities, offering an inside look at the mechanisms of de-risking such ventures. It's a conversation that goes beyond combustion engines and into financial engines that will drive or delay the advent of low-carbon flight.Austin is optimistic as we discuss the forthcoming construction of the SAF plant and the broader mission of Willis Sustainable Fuels, illuminating the role they play in the global effort to decarbonize aviation. If you enjoyed this episode, catch our previous discussion with Jean Paquin and how SAF+ International Group are approaching their e-fuel production facility in Montreal, Canada: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2202964/13512160SAF Investor LondonThis conference serves as a nexus for innovators, customers, financiers, regulators, suppliers, and advisors, forging partnerships that will drive change. SAF Investor London 2024 isn't a conference for debating the merits of SAF; it's about convening the dealmakers who can effect real transformation.Join over 200 leaders in the SAF Industry for two days of stimulating debates, discussions and plenty of networking.You can find out more about SAF Investor and our conference in London here: https://www.safinvestor.com/Host: Al Whyte, SAF InvestorProducer: Oscar Henderson, SAF Investor