Discover Track
Supporting early stage start-ups developing breakthrough technologies
We are looking for early stage start-ups developing solutions in sustainable aviation fuel, carbon removals, single-use plastic alternatives and fuel efficiencies.
Selected start-ups will join a 24-week virtual programme, designed to give a behind-the-scenes look into aviation operations and airline customer needs.
A unique programme offering insights into aviation operations and airlines needs
For each of our focus areas, we will invite multiple start-ups to participate in a 24-week virtual programme. Each month, we will host tailored talks on specific topics within each area, providing valuable insights that will help you commercialise your technology and sell to airlines.
In addition, we will hold one-on-one monthly meetings with each start-up to discuss business updates, answer any questions, and explore potential partnership or commercial opportunities together.
This dual approach means that each start-up receives a tailored experience based on the stage they are at and what they need, whilst building meaningful connections with our industry experts and learning more about how the industry works.
Sustainable aviation fuel
We’re looking to engage with start-ups developing novel approaches to producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
From reducing the energy requirements of power-to-liquid fuels to developing advanced biofuel pathways, we'd like to partner with start-ups that can drive a step-change in the economics of SAF production. We’re particularly interested in approaches that combine SAF production with carbon removal.
The monthly talks will include: aviation fuel logistics, what we typically look for from SAF producers, developing and financing first-of-a-kind projects, and offtake agreements.
Carbon removals
We’re interested in a diverse range of options for carbon removals and are looking for start-ups developing novel approaches to long-duration carbon removal that can achieve costs below $100 per tonne when at scale.
The monthly talks will include: the role of carbon removals in our decarbonisation strategy, our approach to carbon removal procurement, EU and UK policy developments, and offtake agreements.
Single-use plastic alternatives
Whilst we have made some progress, there is much more to do to reduce single-use plastics across our operations.
We’re looking for start-ups developing new materials for various applications, such as alternatives to plastic sheeting used to protect cargo pallets or items in our onboard service.
The monthly talks will include: our strategy and learnings to date, a tour of our operations, and technical and commercial requirements from plastic alternatives across different use cases.
Fuel efficiencies
Aircraft purchased today are expected to remain in service for the next 20 to 30 years, making it crucial to find solutions to help improve fuel efficiency.
We’re seeking start-ups developing new technologies that could either integrate into existing operations to help reduce fuel burn or be retrofitted to aircraft in the future.
The monthly talks will include: fuel efficiency projects undertaken to date, key learnings and new areas of exploration, and a tour of our operations.
Why work with us
Gain deep insights into aviation
We will deliver monthly talks from internal experts and guest speakers to help deepen your understanding of how the aviation industry works and what airlines require from solutions in this space.
Explore commercial opportunities
In addition to the talks, you will meet with us monthly to share updates, ask us questions and explore project or collaboration opportunities. We do not define these up-front and instead look to fully tailor the programme and our interactions to what would be most helpful to you.
Grow your network
Meet with leaders and experts across our Group, grow your network and connect with fellow start-ups at a similar stage as you. Develop relationships that can lead to meaningful opportunities for the future.
Open call
We have one application form for both accelerator tracks. We review applications on a rolling basis so encourage you to apply early.
Applications Open: 17 March 2025
Applications Close: 30 April 2025
Evaluation
We will assemble a small team of experts from across our Group to review applications for each focus area. We’ll get in touch with any follow-up questions before selecting which start-ups to invite to the programme.
Selection: Completed by 9 May 2025
Onboarding: Completed by 23 May 2025
Accelerator
Our collaboration begins! Selected start-ups will receive group invites to the monthly talks, and one-on-one invites for our monthly meetings.
Programme Kick-off: 26 May 2025
Innovation Summit
The accelerator ends with our in-person Innovation Summit where start-ups are invited to meet with our senior executives, subject matter experts from across our Group as well as other start-ups in this year’s accelerator cohort.
Innovation Summit: October 2025
Partner with us to help transform aviation
How can we help?
We work closely with our airlines and operating companies to understand their requirements, scout for leading solutions and help them screen for the best fit.
For the Deploy track, our decision will be based on a number of factors such as fit with our business requirements, solution maturity, ability to implement and scale across our group and future commercial terms.
For the Discover track, we will primarily be assessing how novel your technology is and its potential for achieving cost competitiveness when scaled.
We ask that your start-up has been incorporated and:
- For the Deploy track: has a product or solution that is ready to test in a 12 week proof-of-value
- For the Discover track: have technologies that have been proven at lab scale as a minimum (TRL 4+)
We don’t have hard criteria for what we consider a start-up or scale-up. In the past, we have worked with companies from pre-seed to post Series D, but most are between Seed and Series B. We’re most interested in how well your solution fits with the challenge we are trying to solve.
If you believe your solution can help the aviation industry, we would love to hear from you. Please select ‘Other’ as the focus area under the Discover Track in the application form. We review all applications carefully and will allocate start-ups to the programme which we believe is the best fit.
No but we may ask for the option to co-invest in your next round if your technology fits with our investment thesis.