Istanbul, April 1, 2026 (AeroDispatch) — Turkish Airlines board of directors has approved a USD 42 million investment to acquire a 40 percent equity stake in DB Tarımsal Enerji ve Ticaret, a Turkish energy firm specializing in biofuel production, as part of its sustainable aviation fuel strategy.
The transaction, disclosed through official financial reporting channels, aims to secure upstream participation in SAF supply to support the carrier’s emissions reduction goals. SAF, derived from biomass, waste oils and renewable sources, can cut lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 87 percent compared to conventional jet fuel.
DB Tarımsal Enerji ve Ticaret focuses on renewable fuels and bioenergy, with plans for SAF production facilities in coordination with technology partners. Turkey’s regulators see the country emerging as a regional SAF hub, though specific plant capacities and timelines remain under development.
The deal involves equity acquisition or capital increase under Turkish corporate law, subject to regulatory clearances. It aligns with Turkish Airlines’ broader SAF efforts, including a letter of intent with Tüpraş for SAF supply from its İzmir Refinery starting 2026, partnerships with SOCAR Türkiye, and research projects like the microalgae-based MICRO-JET with Boğaziçi University.
This investment positions Turkish Airlines as an equity partner in production, potentially improving SAF access, managing costs and enhancing sustainability credentials amid global industry trends toward upstream engagement.