[Vancouver, Canada, 2026 January 21]

SUSTAERO Chief Executive Officer Keith Gillard presented yesterday at the Indigenous Tech Conference, highlighting the essential role of partnership in the burgeoning green economy. Speaking on the Earth Tech: 2050 panel, Gillard outlined a vision for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production built on a foundation of mutual respect, shared financial prosperity, and meaningful social impact.

The discussion focused on the potential for cleantech to revitalise rural regions and traditional territories, and in the case of SUSTAERO, communities that were significantly impacted by the decline of the pulp and paper industry. By repurposing legacy industrial infrastructure, SUSTAERO aims to bring high-value jobs and sustainable forest management back to these areas.

"Our mission at SUSTAERO is about more than just decarbonising flight; it is about fostering regional industrial resilience through economic partnership," says Gillard. "Many indigenous communities have seen their local economies impacted as traditional forestry sectors shifted. By partnering with indigenous communities, we can build a new industrial base that respects traditional land stewardship while providing the economic engine needed for long-term growth."

During the panel, Gillard emphasised that SUSTAERO’s approach to feedstock procurement and facility operations is designed to create a circular benefit. By utilising forestry residuals in a way that aligns with indigenous-led practices in forest health, the SOAR™ process creates a new revenue stream for indigenous-led forestry operations.

"True sustainability must include social and economic respect," added Gillard. "The reception at the Indigenous Tech Conference confirms a clear alignment between our technical goals and the aspirations of Nations looking to reclaim their industrial heritage. We are committed to an approach that honours the seven generations concept: ensuring that the industrial decisions we make today foster a healthy environment and a resilient economy for those who will live seven generations from now."

About SUSTAERO:

SUSTAERO is building Canada’s first billion-litre wood waste to Sustainable Aviation Fuel capacity, driven by Fortune 100 leadership and a proprietary process, integrating the world’s only TRL-9 wood gasification technology. SUSTAERO’s SAF has the highest security of supply due to simple, sustainable, uninterruptible supply chains. Contact PR@SUSTAERO.ca.

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