The aviation fuel suppliers industry in Europe plays a critical role in ensuring efficient air travel across the continent. This sector includes major oil and energy corporations, innovative startups focusing on sustainable fuels, and service providers that handle fuel logistics. Companies are increasingly pursuing greener fuel alternatives, such as biofuels and synthetic fuels, addressing both environmental regulations and market demand for renewable energy. Notably, advancements in technology are pushing the industry towards a significant transformation, aiming for net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, the future looks promising for those committed to responsible fuel delivery and supply.


The investors featured come from various backgrounds, including corporate giants, venture capital, and private equity firms. Headquartered in major European cities like Brussels, London, and Paris, these investors range in size from small firms to multinational companies, showcasing their influence across the aviation fuel landscape. Established between 1894 and 2018, they exhibit a wide range of experience in the market. Collectively, they made a notable impact in 2024, closing numerous deals that reflect current priorities of fostering innovation and sustainability in aviation fuel supply.


Top 12 Aviation Fuel Suppliers Investors in Europe


1. Shell

  • Website: shell.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1907
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: shell

Shell plc is a multinational oil and gas company based in London, England, founded in 1907. It operates in the energy and chemicals sectors, providing essential products such as fuels, lubricants, and chemical solutions to businesses and consumers globally. Shell has been actively involved in various transactions that highlight its commitment to the aviation fuel sector. Notably, in 2020, Shell participated in a Series A funding round for i6 Group, which is associated with the aviation industry, indicating its interest in innovative solutions for aviation fuel supply. Furthermore, Shell Ventures invested in FORGE Hydrocarbons, which is developing a commercial-scale biofuel production plant aimed at producing renewable diesel and jet fuels, tapping into the mandated market for these fuels in North America. These transactions demonstrate Shell's strategic focus on advancing technologies and solutions that support the aviation fuel supply chain, particularly in the context of sustainability and renewable energy.


2. Bpifrance French Tech Accélération


Bpifrance French Tech Accélération is a venture capital firm based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, founded in 2015. As a public entity and financial institution, Bpifrance supports entrepreneurs and businesses in France and internationally through a variety of services, including direct funding, export credit insurance, and private equity investments. The firm aims to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping businesses navigate growth and international expansion. Notably, Bpifrance has been involved in several transactions relevant to the aviation sector, such as Aerleum, which raised $6 million in a seed round, and Elixir Aircraft, a leader in low-carbon light aircraft, where Bpifrance contributed to a €40 million funding round. Additionally, Bpifrance provided a €500k loan to OpenAirlines, a developer of eco-flying software, further emphasizing its commitment to supporting sustainable aviation initiatives.


3. European Innovation Council (EIC)


The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a public entity based in Brussels, Belgium, established to support innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. Founded in 1958, the EIC offers various funding programs, including the EIC Accelerator and EIC Pathfinder, aimed at helping startups and SMEs develop and scale their technologies. In 2024, the EIC has made 57 investments, reflecting its active role in fostering innovation. Notably, the EIC has been involved in transactions such as funding Maeve Aerospace, a Dutch startup focused on developing a full-electric 44-seater regional airliner, which received €2.5 million in funding and additional grants. This involvement highlights the EIC's commitment to advancing sustainable aviation technologies, making it a relevant player in the aviation fuel suppliers sector.


4. AP Ventures

  • Website: apventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: apventures

AP Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, England, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage companies that focus on hydrogen and decarbonisation technologies, providing both capital and strategic support to startups aiming to develop innovative solutions for sustainable energy. Their portfolio includes notable investments in companies like Infinium, which raised significant funding rounds to develop Electrofuels™—a net-zero carbon alternative to traditional fuels that can be used in aviation, shipping, and trucking. AP Ventures has also invested in Aether Fuels and ZeroAvia, both of which are involved in the development of sustainable fuel technologies for aviation. These investments highlight AP Ventures' commitment to supporting the transition to cleaner energy solutions in the aviation fuel sector.


5. Airbus

  • Website: airbus.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Blagnac, Occitanie, France
  • Founded year: 2003
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: airbusgroup

Airbus SE, founded in 2003 and headquartered in Blagnac, Occitanie, France, is a leading aerospace manufacturer known for its design and production of commercial aircraft, helicopters, defense systems, and space technology. With over 10,000 employees, Airbus serves a global customer base, including airlines and military organizations. The company is committed to sustainability and advancing aerospace technology. In 2024, Airbus has been involved in several notable transactions relevant to the aviation fuel suppliers industry. These include a significant investment in Jet Zero Australia, which raised AU$29 million for its alcohol-to-jet SAF project, indicating Airbus's commitment to renewable fuel opportunities. Additionally, Airbus co-led a financing round for ZeroAvia, which focuses on hydrogen fuel technology for aviation, further showcasing its dedication to sustainable aviation fuels. These transactions highlight Airbus's strategic interest in the development of alternative fuels, making it a relevant investor in the aviation fuel suppliers sector.


6. Cvc

  • Website: cvc.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Luxembourg
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 16
  • LinkedIn: cvc-capital-partners

CVC Capital Partners is a prominent investment firm founded in 2005, based in Luxembourg, specializing in private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure. With approximately €193 billion in assets under management for over 1000 clients, including pension funds and institutional investors, CVC focuses on delivering sustainable value and growth through strategic investments. Among their notable transactions in the aviation sector, CVC acquired a 25% stake in CLH Group, a key player in the fuel supply chain, for €1 billion in 2017. They also invested in Avolon Holdings, an aircraft leasing group, contributing to a total capital raise of US$1.4 billion. Furthermore, CVC's acquisition of Ontic Engineering and Manufacturing, Inc. for $1.365 billion in 2019 highlights their commitment to the aerospace industry, which is closely linked to aviation fuel supply. These transactions underscore CVC's strategic interest in the aviation sector, making them a relevant investor in the aviation fuel suppliers industry.


7. EQT Group

  • Website: eqtgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
  • Founded year: 1994
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 30
  • LinkedIn: eqt-partners

EQT Group is a prominent private equity investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in a wide range of investment strategies, including private equity, infrastructure, real estate, growth equity, and venture capital. EQT serves institutional investors by providing expertise in managing diverse investment portfolios across multiple sectors and geographies. Notably, EQT has made significant investments in the aviation sector, including the acquisition of the EIS Aircraft Group in 2015, which focuses on products and services for civil and military aviation. This acquisition highlights EQT's commitment to the aviation industry, potentially encompassing areas related to aviation fuel supply. Additionally, EQT's investment in Unilode Aviation Solutions further demonstrates their engagement in aviation-related services, reinforcing their relevance in the aviation sector.


8. Safran

  • Website: safran-group.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: safran

Safran is a prominent aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Founded in 2005, the company specializes in aircraft equipment, propulsion systems, and defense technologies, serving a diverse clientele that includes aircraft manufacturers and military organizations. In recent years, Safran has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability and technological advancement, particularly in the aviation fuel sector. Notably, Safran has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like INERATEC, a startup focused on sustainable e-fuels, contributing to their Series A and Series B funding rounds aimed at scaling production of renewable fuels. Furthermore, Safran's investment in Cranfield Aerospace, which is developing hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, showcases its dedication to exploring innovative fuel solutions for the aviation industry. These strategic investments highlight Safran's role as a forward-thinking investor in the aviation fuel suppliers market.


9. Ardian

  • Website: ardian.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Paris, Île-De-France, France
  • Founded year: 1996
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 21
  • LinkedIn: ardian

Ardian is an investment management firm founded in 1996, based in Paris, Île-De-France, France. Specializing in private equity, real assets, and credit solutions, Ardian provides tailored investment strategies to institutional investors, family offices, and pension funds, helping them access high-quality private market investments. With a global presence and a focus on sustainable finance, Ardian aims to create lasting value for its clients. Notably, Ardian has been involved in significant transactions such as the acquisition of a substantial equity interest in Alvest, a provider of airport ground support equipment, which is closely related to the aviation sector. Additionally, Ardian has participated in multiple funding rounds for CLH Group, a company that plays a role in the aviation fuel supply chain, indicating its engagement in the broader aviation industry.


10. BBA Aviation plc

  • Website: bbaaviation.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: London, England, United Kingdom (UK)
  • Founded year: 1879
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: bba-aviation-plc

BBA Aviation plc, based in London, England, is a corporate investor founded in 1879, specializing in private aviation services through its subsidiary Signature Aviation. The company offers a comprehensive range of solutions, including maintenance, fuel services, and loyalty programs for aviation customers. BBA Aviation has been actively expanding its operations in the aviation services sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in 2015, they proposed to acquire Landmark Aviation for approximately $2.065 billion, which would significantly enhance their global flight support network by adding 68 FBO locations, many of which provide fuel services. Additionally, in 2007, Signature Aviation acquired a fixed-base operator (FBO) for $100 million, further solidifying their presence in the aviation fuel supply market. Their involvement in the Series B funding round for Victor, a private jet charter marketplace, also indicates their interest in expanding their influence within the general aviation sector, which includes fuel supply services.


11. TotalEnergies Ventures


TotalEnergies Ventures is a corporate investor based in Paris, Île-De-France, France, and is part of TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company founded in 2008. The firm focuses on a wide range of energy solutions, including oil, natural gas, and renewable energy, with a commitment to sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions. TotalEnergies Ventures has been involved in several transactions that highlight its interest in innovative energy solutions. Notably, they invested in Gevo, a company that specializes in renewable fuels, through multiple funding rounds, including a significant venture round in 2009 and a post-IPO equity investment in 2013. Additionally, they participated in a Series D funding round for Renmatix, which focuses on sustainable biomass conversion technologies. These transactions suggest that TotalEnergies Ventures is actively seeking opportunities in the energy sector that could intersect with aviation fuel, particularly in the context of sustainable and renewable fuel alternatives.


12. Equinor

  • Website: equinor.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Stavanger, Rogaland, Norway
  • Founded year: 1972
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 6
  • LinkedIn: equinor

Equinor ASA, founded in 1972 and based in Stavanger, Norway, is a public entity operating in the energy sector with a workforce of over 10,000 employees. The company is committed to sustainability and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Equinor serves a diverse customer base, including governments and industries, providing energy solutions that address climate challenges while ensuring energy security. In recent years, Equinor has participated in various funding rounds that align with energy delivery and innovation. Notably, they participated in a Series D funding round for Booster, a mobile energy delivery platform, which raised over $125 million to expand its network of direct-to-vehicle fuel delivery. This involvement suggests a strategic interest in fuel delivery systems that could encompass aviation fuel. Additionally, Equinor has invested in Syzygy Plasmonics, a technology company focused on innovative energy solutions, which may have implications for cleaner fuel technologies relevant to aviation. These transactions highlight Equinor's active role in the energy sector and its potential relevance to aviation fuel supply.



Aviation Fuel Suppliers Insights: Key Investors in Europe


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
ShellLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)10001+190720
Bpifrance French Tech AccélérationParis, Île-De-France, France1-102015198
European Innovation Council (EIC)Brussels, Brussels, Belgium201-500195857
AP VenturesLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)11-5020184
AirbusBlagnac, Occitanie, France10001+20036
CvcLuxembourg1001-5000200516
EQT GroupStockholm, Stockholm, Sweden1001-5000199430
SafranParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20059
ArdianParis, Île-De-France, France1001-5000199621
BBA Aviation plcLondon, England, United Kingdom (UK)5001-1000018791
TotalEnergies VenturesParis, Île-De-France, France10001+20080
EquinorStavanger, Rogaland, Norway10001+19726


Want to find more investors focusing on the aviation fuel suppliers industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the aviation fuel suppliersindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.

With Inven, you'll also get to know:

  • Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
  • Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
  • Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
  • ...and much more!