Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

International Airlines Group and aircraft engines and systems group Safran are among the main investors in the Series B funding round that raised £20.75 million ($28 million) for sustainable aviation fuel innovator OXCCU. The capital will support development of the UK start-up’s OX2 fuel manufacturing demonstration plant located at Oxford Airport, which is expected to be fully operational in 2026.
OXCCU is developing a process to support mass production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by converting biogenic waste carbon and hydrogen by the end of the 2020s. The company, which was founded by Oxford University chemical engineers in 2021, is already producing small quantities of its SAF blend in the smaller OX1 demonstration plant.
In addition to the IAGi Ventures arm of International Airlines Group (parent company of British Airways and Iberia) and Safran Corporate Ventures, the latest funding round was also backed by new investors Orlen VC, Hostplus, and TCVC. The oversubscribed round was supported by existing backers including Clean Energy Ventures, IP Group/Kiko Ventures, Aramco Ventures, Eni Next, and Braavos Capital.
“In a market where capital is tight and investors are rightly selective, this raise is a testament to the strength of our science, the clarity of our mission, and the urgency of the problem we’re solving,” said Andrew Symes, OXCCU’s CEO. “What we’re seeing is that serious players with truly distinctive technologies are still getting funded.”
<h2>Simplified, Lower-cost SAF Production</h2>
According to OXCCU, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-07-31/waste-carbon-saf-process-touted-cost-breakthrough">its approach</a>&nbsp;simplifies SAF production by eliminating the need for reverse water gas shift or e-methanol steps. Instead, its patented iron-based catalyst enables the direct synthesis of jet-fuel-range hydrocarbons from gaseous waste carbon in a single exothermic reaction.
The company claims that this process reduces capital and operating costs, as well as the carbon intensity of the fuel. The catalyst can be applied with a wide range of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen input gas compositions, which is expected to deliver the flexibility to efficiently convert different feedstocks such as reformed biogas, gasified wood waste, and pure carbon dioxide with hydrogen.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="OXXXU SAF catalyst" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2d40821f-44e3-4054-bc18-9658507e2d94" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/OXCCU-One-step%20process.png" width="7589" height="5635" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>OXCCU says its catalyst will produce sustainable aviation fuel in a simpler and lower-cost process.</figcaption>
</figure>

“We recognize the need for the world to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and for the aviation sector to play its part and to develop sustainably,” commented Jonathon Counsell, IAG’s group sustainability director. “IAG has been a leader in the sector, being the first airline group globally to commit to net zero by 2050. We are further committed to our goal of meeting 10% of our fuel needs with SAF by 2030. Meeting these goals will be supported by this investment into OXCCU, which is part of our strategy of developing new partnerships to produce next-generation fuels.”

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Airlines and Safran Back OXCCU’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production 

A Series B funding round raised $28 million for the Oxford University start-up

With $28 million in new capital, OXCCU is preparing to start producing sustainable aviation fuel in a larger demonstration plant at Oxford Airport in the UK.

Airlines and Safran Back New SAF Production Process

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Company focusing on unbranded FBOs and agriculture

Creed Fuels Expands into Aviation To Serve Rural Ops

Amy Wilder

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Company targets emissions, SAF, supplier engagement

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Curt Epstein

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News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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