<![CDATA[Sustainability in the Air: #Sustainability20]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/s/sustainability20https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!RGJW!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fa95c05e0-d65d-4835-94ac-188a2e0be9f8_1280x1280.pngSustainability in the Air: #Sustainability20https://green.simpliflying.com/s/sustainability20SubstackWed, 20 May 2026 04:17:20 GMT<![CDATA[#Sustainability20: LanzaTech chooses Ghent for Europe’s first commercial alcohol-to-jet fuel facility & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-lanzatech-chooses-ghent-for-europes-first-alcohol-to-jet-saf-facilityhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-lanzatech-chooses-ghent-for-europes-first-alcohol-to-jet-saf-facilityFri, 15 May 2026 14:15:58 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

Rising oil prices have highlighted that sustainable aviation fuel offers energy security as well as environmental benefits, though feedstocks for cheaper HEFA production will soon prove insufficient.

A Swedish inquiry has concluded that EU production capacity cannot meet mandated SAF targets, recommending investment support and a national risk-sharing mechanism to boost domestic output.

Three major airports have been found to produce three times more emissions than Paris annually, with 100 airports responsible for two-thirds of global passenger flight CO2.

A Wizz Air survey has revealed that most travellers remain unaware of sustainable aviation fuel, while overestimating aviation’s emissions share by nearly eight times.

Boeing has secured 20,000 tonnes of permanent carbon removal through a new agreement with Supercritical, following a rigorous 118-point evaluation that reflects a broader shift toward higher-quality voluntary carbon credits.

CLIMATE WATCH: UN members prepare for pivotal vote on landmark ICJ climate justice ruling - The Guardian

The UN General Assembly is preparing to vote on landmark climate justice findings from the ICJ, confirming governments’ legal responsibility to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Menzies Aviation has achieved its global target of 25% electric ground support equipment following a $200m investment, with European operations now leading the transition.

Image: Menzies Aviation

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Germany has awarded €350 million to build a power-to-liquid eSAF facility in Schwedt, which will produce 30,000 tonnes annually and meet a quarter of the country’s blending obligation.

LanzaTech has selected North Sea Port in Ghent for Europe’s first commercial-scale alcohol-to-jet SAF plant, with front-end engineering and design work largely complete.

FlyORO and Aether Fuels have signed an MOU to explore SAF supply-chain collaboration in Singapore, pairing next-generation production with modular blending technology.

DHL Express has signed a ten-year agreement for 250,000 metric tonnes of SAF from Bahrain, marking the logistics giant’s first offtake deal in the Middle East.

Vietnam has moved into synthetic fuel production for the first time, with Binh Son Refinery signing a deal to develop a power-to-liquid pilot plant for e-SAF and green methanol.

SWISS has partnered with Zurich-based Metafuels to bring synthetic SAF to market, securing early access to fuels produced from green methanol via the aerobrew process.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Archer has become the first eVTOL company to close Phase 3 of the FAA’s type certification process for Midnight, with US commercial operations expected to begin this year.

BETA Technologies has reported a $3.9 billion aircraft backlog after securing seven of eight FAA programmes, while surpassing 85,000 hours of engine testing.

Image: BETA

SkyDrive has signed its first agreement with a Japanese helicopter operator, with Tohoku Air Service committing to purchase one eVTOL aircraft for delivery in 2028.

Supernal has resumed work on its eVTOL programme after striking a partnership with Korea Aerospace Industries, reversing its September 2025 suspension of the project.

AIRO Group has unveiled a full-scale autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, with first flight expected by the end of 2026 and commercial deployment targeted for 2027.

Unither Bioélectronique has claimed the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered helicopter flight, using a modified Robinson R44 to complete a full airport traffic circuit.

DARPA has announced the first flight of its experimental hybrid-electric XRQ-73 unmanned aerial vehicle, conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in April 2026.

The groundbreaking Solar Impulse 2 solar-powered plane has crashed into the Gulf of Mexico during an autonomous test flight, bringing an untimely end to the inspirational aircraft.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: EU releases NEATS platform to track aviation’s full climate impact & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-eu-releases-neats-platform-to-track-aviations-full-carbon-impacthttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-eu-releases-neats-platform-to-track-aviations-full-carbon-impactFri, 08 May 2026 16:25:56 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

Rocketing oil prices due to the Strait of Hormuz closure have narrowed the cost gap for sustainable aviation fuel, potentially boosting demand for greener alternatives despite ongoing supply challenges.

An upgraded EU tracking system has been launched to monitor aviation’s non-CO2 effects, such as contrails, alongside carbon emissions, streamlining reporting for airlines and supporting climate policy.

A new expert report has highlighted significant scientific uncertainties around non-CO2 aviation effects, warning that mitigation strategies remain complex due to knowledge gaps and trade-offs.

Business aviation has challenged its exclusion from the EU’s green investment taxonomy, arguing the Commission’s reasoning is discriminatory and threatens decarbonisation funding for the sector.

United Airlines has reversed its support for eVTOL air taxis at crowded hubs following a fatal collision, though political shifts and safety concerns appear more influential than airspace congestion figures.

SAS has warned that Europe is heading for a structural e-SAF shortage as mandates loom, risking higher fares and energy vulnerability without immediate investment in production facilities.

CLIMATE WATCH: Airline emissions in Europe top pre-Covid levels despite pledge to decarbonise - The Guardian

European aviation emissions have surpassed pre-pandemic levels, with Ryanair’s carbon footprint rising 50% since 2019, prompting calls to extend carbon pricing to all departing flights.

Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

El Paso Airport has completed two major solar canopy projects, generating 2.9 megawatts of power to offset 22% of its annual electricity use without relying on local taxes.

Image: KTSM

BAE Systems has opened a major expansion of its New York campus to develop high-voltage energy storage for hybrid and electric aircraft, boosting manufacturing capacity for cleaner propulsion.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

A California-based company has been selected to supply ocean-captured CO2 for a French e-SAF plant, which will produce 75,000 tonnes of fuel annually with an 90% emission reduction.

A first-of-its-kind UK pilot facility has opened in Kent, converting non-recyclable waste plastics into sustainable aviation fuel using a patented process that cuts lifecycle emissions by over 70%.

Hong Kong and Dongguan have partnered on a HK$10 billion biofuel base to produce 450,000 tonnes of SAF annually from waste cooking oil, strengthening the Greater Bay Area’s green aviation chain.

Sasol has achieved Africa’s first ISCC+ certification for SAF and renewable diesel production at its Natref refinery, marking a major shift from ambition to delivery in sustainable fuels.

An international consortium has signed a deal to build Uzbekistan’s first ethanol-to-SAF plant, converting industrial off-gases into 80,000 tons of fuel per year using LanzaTech’s technology.

QNB Group has agreed to finance an Egyptian SAF plant capable of producing 200,000 tonnes of biofuel annually, with Shell committed to buying its entire output once operational.

GPS Renewables has been awarded the contract for India’s first ethanol-to-jet SAF plant at NTPC Green Energy Limited’s Green Hydrogen Hub, which is designed to produce 1,800 tonnes per year using Lummus Technology’s licensed process.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

H2Fly’s co-founder has predicted that hydrogen-electric propulsion systems of up to 500 kilowatts could enter production by 2030, though financial market stability remains critical for investment.

Joby Aviation has completed New York City’s first point-to-point eVTOL demonstration flights, flying from JFK to Midtown in seven minutes, though the economics of air taxi travel remain unproven.

Seven minutes from JFK to Midtown. Joby just flew the route it plans to sell.
Image: TNW

easyJet and Rolls-Royce have successfully tested a modern aircraft engine running on 100% hydrogen at full take-off power, marking a significant step towards zero-emission narrowbody propulsion.

Hydrogen Utopia International has launched Project Fortress Fuel to convert waste plastic into military-grade JP-8 fuel at forward bases, reducing reliance on vulnerable supply chains.

AltoVolo has flown a scaled prototype of its Sigma eVTOL, which now seats two and aims for a 500-mile range, with open rotors replacing ducted fans.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: India updates jet fuel regulations to allow for SAF blending & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-india-updates-jet-fuel-regulations-to-allow-safhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-india-updates-jet-fuel-regulations-to-allow-safFri, 24 Apr 2026 17:25:48 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

The Indian government has amended its aviation fuel regulations to permit SAF blending, introducing targets of 1% by 2027, rising to 5% by 2030 for international flights.

The European Union has promised guidance for airlines on managing fuel shortages caused by the Iran war, though no widespread cancellations have yet been reported.

Delta Air Lines has reframed its 2050 net-zero target as an “aspiration” on its website, though a spokesperson insists it remains committed to 10% SAF usage by 2030.

Boeing has signed a multi-year agreement with Carbonfuture for at least 40,000 tonnes of carbon removals, sourced from biochar projects across the Global South.

CLIMATE WATCH: Clean energy generation exceeded rise in global electricity demand in 2025 - The Guardian

All of last year’s growth in global electricity demand has been met by renewable sources, with fossil fuel generation remaining flat, according to new research.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Airports including Vancouver, Munich, Pittsburgh and Edmonton have accelerated sustainability through partnerships, with YVR targeting net-zero emissions by 2030 and zero waste by 2040.

Image: FTE

ITA Airways has used SITA’s AI-based climb optimisation to achieve substantial fuel savings, with over 7,100 tonnes of fuel and 22,100 tonnes of CO2 to be saved across 2025 and 2026.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

The US EPA has approved Summit Next Gen’s fuel pathway to produce renewable diesel and SAF from undenatured sugarcane ethanol at its Texas facility.

Shanghai Electric has achieved a world-first by producing 100% SAF from waste oils and fats that can be used directly in aircraft engines without blending.

Southern Energy Renewables has signed an MOU with Axens to collaborate on SAF development, starting with a Louisiana biomass facility, while also creating an experimental digital token.

Sasol has received German certification for its SAF produced from cooking oil, paving the way for exports to the European Union from South Africa.

XCF Global and DevvStream have agreed to explore an integrated platform to generate, verify and market 45Z clean fuel production credits for SAF.

DHL Group has expanded its SAF collaboration with IAG Cargo, enabling 240 million litres of SAF at Heathrow and reducing lifecycle emissions by 640,000 tonnes of CO2e.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Vertical Aerospace has completed the world’s first full-scale piloted two-way eVTOL transition flight under civil aviation Design Organisation Approval oversight.

The G-EVTA during the transition flight
Image: Vertical Aerospace

Smartflyer has received the first batch of Adagio battery modules from H55, enabling full system integration and testing for its SFX1 aircraft ahead of ground tests this summer.

Electron Aerospace has redesigned its all-electric E5 aircraft, removing the canard and switching to tractor propellers ahead of a prototype first flight targeted for 2027.

Bristow, Electra, Avinor and the Norwegian CAA have launched a second test project for zero-emission aviation, with hybrid-electric demonstrations planned from mid-2027.

Aura Aero has raised €50 million in Series A funding plus €120 million in subsidies, though first flight of its 19-seat hybrid-electric Era has slipped to “less than two years”.

A vertiport near Dubai International Airport has reached technical completion, with a planned capacity of 170,000 passengers annually and operations targeted before the end of 2026.

Rolls-Royce has patented a new hydrogen combustion system that uses a small amount of fuel to pre-heat the rest, solving key challenges around ultra-cold liquid hydrogen storage.

Vertical Aerospace has closed a financing package worth up to $850 million, providing fresh support for its Valo eVTOL program following a successful two-way transition flight.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: Beyond Aero selects Luxaviation as launch operator for hydrogen-electric aircraft & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-beyond-aero-selects-luxaviation-as-launch-operatorhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-beyond-aero-selects-luxaviation-as-launch-operatorFri, 17 Apr 2026 17:30:54 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

The Zemo Partnership has launched a voluntary assurance scheme for SAF traceability in the UK, with Valero as the first approved supplier, enabling verified emissions claims under the UK ETS.

A major SAF supplier to the UK has been sourcing Brazilian beef fat linked to illegal Amazon deforestation, revealing a critical traceability gap in the green fuel supply chain.

Delta Air Lines has quietly removed its 10% SAF pledge by 2030 from its website, rephrasing its net-zero target as an “aspiration” rather than a goal.

Scoot has been named the world’s most emissions-efficient airline by Cirium, with low-cost carriers dominating the top rankings due to younger fleets and higher seat density.

CLIMATE WATCH: Critical Atlantic current significantly more likely to collapse than thought - The Guardian

New research has found that the Atlantic current system is significantly more likely to collapse than previously thought, with a slowdown of up to 58% predicted by 2100.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Noida International Airport has installed over 6,000 furniture units made using cold roll forming technology, achieving 66% recyclability and setting a new benchmark for sustainable infrastructure.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

High capital costs and a steeply falling price curve have delayed investment decisions for dozens of eSAF projects, as early movers risk becoming uncompetitive within years.

Image: S&P Global

Boeing has expanded its collaboration with Norsk e-Fuel to accelerate synthetic aviation fuel production, aiming to strengthen Europe’s energy resilience and reduce fossil fuel dependency.

Metafuels has secured a €1.92 million Dutch government grant to advance its eSAF project in Rotterdam, targeting commercial production from 2030 using its methanol-to-jet technology.

eFuels SEA has launched in Singapore to develop electrofuel projects across Southeast Asia, licensing Infinium’s technology to convert carbon dioxide and renewable power into sustainable fuels.

DSV has collaborated with Microsoft, United Airlines and Phillips 66 to unlock 11 million gallons of SAF, demonstrating how coordinated long-term agreements can scale the market effectively.

DHL used 185 kilotonnes of SAF in 2025, nearly tripling its consumption from 2024, and has signed a new five-year agreement with IAG Cargo for 240 million litres at Heathrow.

Wisconsin has signed a bill creating a manufacturing zone for SAF from woody biomass, allocating up to $120 million in tax credits for production using locally sourced forestry residues.

The Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance has selected Infinium’s Project Atlas to supply SAF certificates, with a planned capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year targeting 95% emissions reduction.

California’s Senate budget subcommittee has heard testimony on Governor Newsom’s proposed SAF tax credit, worth $1 to $2 per gallon, despite opposition from the state’s Legislative Analyst’s Office.

Petrobras has selected Honeywell’s ethanol-to-jet technology for a new SAF project at its REPLAN refinery in São Paulo, aiming to deliver up to 10,000 barrels per day.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Beyond Aero has appointed Luxaviation Group as the launch operator for its six-passenger hydrogen-electric business aircraft, focusing on operational readiness and certification pathways.

Elysian Aircraft has reduced the number of electric motors on its E9X regional airliner concept from eight to six following its conceptual design review and scaled demonstrator flights.

Elysian E9X rendering in flight
Image: Elysian Aircraft

Beta Technologies has reached a deal to sell 25 Alia electric aircraft to Surf Air, with an option for 75 more, starting operations in Hawaii to cut fuel costs and emissions.

Doroni Aerospace has debuted its luxury personal eVTOL concept, designed to seat two passengers and reach 120mph, with testing planned for 2027 and a projected price of $450,000.

Air Products has cancelled three U.S. hydrogen projects, including a SAF expansion in California, taking a $3.1 billion charge as it narrows its focus to scalable transport and industrial infrastructure.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: World’s first megawatt-class Hydrogen turboprop engine completes maiden flight in China & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-worlds-first-megawatt-class-hydrogent-turboprop-engine-completes-maiden-flight-chinahttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-worlds-first-megawatt-class-hydrogent-turboprop-engine-completes-maiden-flight-chinaFri, 10 Apr 2026 13:31:44 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

The aviation industry has not yet decided who will pay for net zero, as airlines baulk at costs, investors demand policy certainty, and mandate-driven SAF premiums have proven unexpectedly expensive.

US SAF production has tripled, but industry insiders fear a decline without renewed tax credits, as the fuel struggles to compete with renewable diesel for limited refinery space.

Estuaire has partnered with Air France to address the climate impact of contrails, advancing scientific understanding and developing practical solutions to reduce aviation’s environmental footprint and support the industry’s transition.

CLIMATE WATCH: ‘Non-survivable’: heatwaves are already breaching human limits, with worse to come, study finds - The Guardian

Scientists have found that recent heatwaves created non-survivable conditions for older people, even without reaching the theoretical wet-bulb limit, suggesting humans are more vulnerable than previously thought.

Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Iberia has partnered with RECARO to trial sustainable seating on an A320neo, using upcycled fishing nets and real wood inlays to bring circular design into the aircraft cabin.

Image: Iberia

Jet2.com has applied lightweight paint to over 80 aircraft, saving nearly a quarter of a million litres of fuel annually and cutting carbon emissions by more than 500 tonnes.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Sora Fuel has raised $14.6 million to scale a technology that turns air, water and renewable energy into jet fuel, aiming for price parity with fossil kerosene.

Google has joined Amex GBT and Shell on the Avelia blockchain registry, using a book-and-claim model to buy SAF’s carbon savings even when the fuel is not physically available at its departure airport.

XCF Global has teamed up with Axens to deploy a modular refinery design, pairing its standardised blueprint with Vegan technology to accelerate SAF production worldwide.

Oiltek has signed a $350 million deal to build a 300-tonne-per-day SAF plant in Sabah, an order that dwarfs its existing RM350 million book and deepens its role in the value chain.

American scientists have developed a single-step catalyst to turn ethanol directly into jet fuel, and Gevo is now scaling the process to lower SAF costs significantly.

Turkish Airlines has approved a $42 million investment for a 40% stake in a Turkish biofuel producer, moving from SAF consumer to equity partner in production capacity.

Finboot has signed with Acelen Renewables to trace macauba-oil SAF from farm to fuel, using blockchain to meet strict EU and US sustainability regulations for Brazilian exports.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

China has successfully flown the world’s most powerful hydrogen turboprop on a 7.5-tonne uncrewed cargo plane, marking a major milestone in its green aviation push.

FuelCellsWorks
Image: CCTV

EVIO has unveiled a 76-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft, backed by Boeing and Pratt & Whitney Canada, with first deliveries planned for the early 2030s.

Vertical Aerospace has completed the first piloted transition of its full-scale eVTOL, taking off vertically and accelerating into wingborne flight at its Gloucestershire test site.

Eve Air Mobility has passed 50 successful test flights with its full-scale eVTOL prototype, gathering critical data as it moves towards certification and conforming prototypes.

Joby has teamed up with Air Space Intelligence to use AI for airspace coordination, aiming to integrate its eVTOL taxis seamlessly into the busy US National Airspace System.

Aurora Flight Sciences has helped design Wisk’s autonomous Generation 6 aircraft, providing critical battery, guidance and structural engineering to enable its first flight.

The FAA has published final special conditions for ZeroAvia’s electric engine, a major step towards certifying its hydrogen-electric powertrain for 10-20 seat aircraft.

Blue Spirit Aero has validated its hydrogen propulsion pod in high-altitude winter tests, clearing the way for flight testing of its Dragonfly light aircraft demonstrator.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability40: Airbus greenlights 100 seat hydrogen regional jet after feasibility success & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability40-airbus-greenlights-100-seat-hydrogen-regional-jethttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability40-airbus-greenlights-100-seat-hydrogen-regional-jetFri, 27 Mar 2026 18:02:10 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

American Airlines and Google cut contrail formation by 62% across 2,400 transatlantic flights using AI rerouting, reducing warming impact by up to 69% with no statistically significant increase in fuel burn.

Singapore’s CAAS deferred its SAF Levy from April 2026 to October, pushing the 1% SAF mandate back to 2027, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict’s disruption to aviation fuel markets.

IATA has called on the EU to reform its Emissions Trading System, urging full CORSIA implementation for all international flights, a SAF book-and-claim mechanism under the ETS, and reinvestment of ETS revenues into decarbonisation.

Airlines for Europe told the EU that aviation regulatory costs have tripled since 2014 to €15.5 billion annually, demanding ETS costs align with CORSIA and calling for the eSAF sub-mandate to be postponed.

Japan Airlines became the first commercial airline to make a large-scale retirement of Gold Standard CORSIA credits, surrendering 180,000 EEUs sourced from cookstove projects in Malawi and Tanzania, retired via Shell.

UK aviation body Sustainable Aviation launched a £2 million Advanced Market Signal at the Sustainable Skies World Summit, committing members to purchase greenhouse gas removal credits to help scale nascent CDR markets for aviation’s net zero gap.

IATA projected global air travel will exceed 20.8 trillion revenue passenger kilometres by 2050 — more than double 2024 levels — at a 3.1% annual growth rate, with Asia-Pacific (3.8%) and Africa (3.6%) leading growth.

OMV and Technical University of Leoben have established a one-of-a-kind research SAF research facility, to study sustainable aviation fuels using simulation methods and machine learning to support development and scale-up.

British Airways has proposed a pilot bonus, worth up to 1% of basic salary, contingent on crews collectively cutting CO2 emissions by 60,000 tonnes above 2025 levels, with a British Airline Pilots’ Association vote scheduled for late April.

CLIMATE WATCH: US has caused $10tn worth of climate damage since 1990, research finds - The Guardian

A Stanford University study published in Nature found US greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 have caused $10 trillion in global GDP damage, ahead of China’s $9 trillion, with India absorbing $500 billion of US-attributable losses.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Fraport secured €2.55 million in EU CEF funding for Frankfurt Airport’s Greenvolt project, covering 322 new EV charging points, ground power upgrades at nine remote aircraft stands, and battery storage linked to runway solar panels.

A plane parked at a gate at an airport with stairs leading up to the open door.
Image: Fraport

Fraport secured a 15-year, 85-megawatt offshore wind PPA with EnBW’s He Dreiht wind farm from mid-2026, complemented by a 17.4 MWp vertical photovoltaic installation along Runway 18 West, targeting net zero Scope 1 and 2 by 2045.

Heathrow’s 2025 sustainability report showed aircraft emissions fell 7% from 2019 levels, ground carbon emissions dropped 18%, overall waste reduced 3%, and 3.1% of departing flights used sustainable aviation fuel.

Miami International Airport and American Airlines are developing a $1 billion Concourse D60 expansion adding 17 new gates, breaking ground in 2027 and completing by 2030, as part of Miami-Dade’s wider $9 billion M.I.A. Plan.

Leeds Bradford Airport launched its “Together for Tomorrow” sustainability strategy, targeting Scope 1 and 2 net zero by 2030, backed by a £200 million terminal transformation and building on a 74% emissions reduction achieved since 2018.

Cologne Bonn Airport is investing €33.25 million across five sustainability projects — including 38 EV chargers, 16 pre-conditioned air units, and 15 electric ground power units — supported by €9.75 million in EU CEF funding, targeting 6,000 tonnes of annual CO₂ savings.

Venice Airport, San Francisco International, and Frankfurt’s Fraport outlined distinct energy strategies — agrivoltaic solar, full GSE electrification with 500 charging ports, and an 85 MW offshore wind PPA — at an International Airport Review webinar.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Octopus Energy Generation is planning up to $6 billion investment in a Nova Scotia biomass-to-SAF facility at Goldboro, producing 165,000 tonnes of SAF annually from 750,000 tonnes of forestry waste for European markets, targeting 2031 operations.

EcoCeres launched “Project Spark” SAF pilot in China with five aviation partners, using Zhangjiagang-produced waste-based SAF to refuel commercial flights at Chengdu Shuangliu Airport on 16 March, with credits tracked via the AnchorTrace platform.

Praj Industries is expanding India’s biofuel ecosystem beyond ethanol into SAF and compressed biogas through integrated biorefineries, as India’s 85% crude oil import dependency intensifies the push for domestic alternatives amid geopolitical tensions.

More than 50 organisations from the SAF Coalition gathered on Capitol Hill on 25 March to advocate for policy support, following a year in which US domestic SAF production more than doubled.

Rolls-Royce has partnered with UK firm Equilibrion to explore using its small modular reactors to produce sustainable aviation fuel at commercial scale, offering a reliable, low-carbon alternative to intermittent renewables for energy-intensive SAF synthesis.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin confirmed the Renewable Fuel Standard “Set 2” rule would be finalised in March 2026, after its delivery to the White House Office of Management and Budget on 25 February following a public comment period.

Middle East conflict drove California SAF prices to a record $8.85 per gallon in early March as Strait of Hormuz tanker flows were disrupted, prompting US producer XCF Global to advocate for domestic waste-based SAF as an energy security solution.

India’s SAF Association urged the Ministry of Petroleum to include used cooking oil under the Extended Producer Responsibility framework, arguing that capturing 15% of commercial UCO could meaningfully boost domestic sustainable aviation fuel production.

Washington State University validated Universal Fuel Technologies’ Flexiforming process, which converts HEFA naphtha byproduct into aromatic kerosene; a 16:84 blend with HEFA SAF met all jet fuel performance standards without any fossil-based blending.

Technip Energies has acquired a stake in Verso Energy’s DEZiR project, a green hydrogen-based e-SAF facility in France expected to produce 80,000 tonnes of synthetic aviation fuel annually when it starts operations in 2030.

Southern Energy Renewables announced a $1.4 billion biomass-to-green methanol and SAF facility in Louisiana’s St. Charles Parish, converting wood-waste into fuel and creating 120 direct jobs averaging $97,267, plus 394 indirect positions.

DHL Express partnered with Malaysia Aviation Group to reduce cargo emissions using book-and-claim SAF, building on MAG’s 2025 two-week SAF trial uplift on the Kuala Lumpur–London route at KLIA.

A SXSW 2026 fusion panel projected commercial fusion power arriving in the 2040s — precisely when power-to-liquid SAF must scale — while noting SHINE Technologies already uses fusion neutrons commercially to inspect jet engine turbine blades.

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New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Airbus has confirmed technical feasibility of its ZEROe 100-seat hydrogen fuel cell regional jet, featuring four 2-megawatt under-wing pods running on liquid hydrogen at –253°C, with entry into service targeted for 2040–2045.

Image: Airbus

Eve Air Mobility flew its full-scale eVTOL prototype for Brazilian President Lula da Silva at Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility, having logged 35 flights and nearly 1.5 hours of total flight time since its December 2025 maiden hover.

3M announced an investment and collaboration with JetZero to develop a blended-wing aircraft aiming to reduce fuel use by up to 50%.

Joby Aviation’s piloted electric air taxi crossed San Francisco Bay and flew past the Golden Gate Bridge on 13 March, launching its 2026 Electric Skies Tour following White House eIPP selection for operations across 10 states.

The FAA published final special conditions for ZeroAvia’s hydrogen-electric ZA601 engine on 18 March, addressing Part 33 regulatory gaps for electric propulsion, despite ZeroAvia having cut roughly half its workforce in January due to funding shortfalls.

Loganair flew a BETA Technologies ALIA CX300 from Edinburgh to Dundee and then Inverness on 19 March, becoming the first UK commercial airline to operate an all-electric flight, during a two-week Royal Mail freight demonstration.

French startup Beyond Aero completed the Preliminary Design Review of its hydrogen-electric business jet, confirming that propulsion, hydrogen storage, aerodynamics, and avionics systems have reached the maturity required for a certifiable architecture.

Collins Aerospace completed the EU Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking’s HECATE project, achieving Technology Readiness Level 5 for high-voltage electric power distribution systems for hybrid-electric regional aircraft, using digital twin simulations throughout.

EU Horizon Europe aviation projects FlyECO and TRIATHLON signed a non-disclosure agreement to share research data on hydrogen-electric propulsion, with FlyECO combining solid oxide fuel cells and hydrogen-fuelled gas turbines under DLR coordination.

Bristol-based eVTOL developer Vertical Aerospace warned its £69 million year-end 2025 cash balance may only last into mid-2026, despite completing hover, vertical, and wingborne piloted flight milestones with its Valo aircraft during 2025.

Surf Air Mobility signed a purchase agreement for 25 BETA Technologies Alia CTOL electric aircraft — with options for 75 more — to launch commercial electric aviation in Hawaii, starting with inter-island cargo before passenger services.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: DOT, FAA pick eight eVTOL pilot projects ahead of summer 2026 flights & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-dot-faa-pick-eight-evtol-pilot-projects-for-2026https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-dot-faa-pick-eight-evtol-pilot-projects-for-2026Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:30:21 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

The aviation sector has maintained its net-zero commitment despite persistent structural challenges, shifting focus towards pragmatic, cost-effective decarbonisation pathways. SAF remains central, though policy uncertainty and supply-chain vulnerabilities continue to constrain investment and deployment.

CORSIA has structurally transformed carbon markets, with demand for eligible credits now expected to reach 200-220 million tonnes during the First Phase. Supply has remained critically constrained by bottlenecks in issuing Letters of Authorisation, though recent acceleration has begun unlocking additional credits.

A Brooklyn-based startup has commenced manufacturing containerised synthetic fuel units for the Pentagon, aiming to produce sustainable aviation fuel in war zones and reduce reliance on vulnerable fuel convoys.

A feasibility study has suggested that small modular nuclear reactors in the South West could supply Bristol Airport’s energy needs, potentially reducing flight emissions by 29% by 2035 through nuclear-derived hydrogen and sustainable fuel production.

Carbonfuture has signed a multi-year agreement with Boeing for at least 40,000 tonnes of durable carbon removal credits sourced from biochar projects, which the manufacturer will apply to address residual emissions from business travel.

EcoJet Airlines, the Scottish start-up promoted as the world’s first zero-emission regional carrier, has collapsed into voluntary liquidation without ever operating a commercial passenger flight, citing technological, regulatory and funding challenges.

CLIMATE WATCH: ‘A sobering preview’: extreme heat now affects one in three people globally, study finds

Climate breakdown has shrunk the time people can safely spend outdoors, with a third of the world’s population now residing in areas where heat severely limits activity, according to a study combining physiological research with seven decades of data.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

MBS International Airport is nearing completion of a major solar energy project that has positioned it as a leader in sustainable aviation, featuring the largest solar array at any Michigan airport and covered parking powered entirely by solar energy.

Image: SolarQuarter

Airports are evolving from human-executed processes to intelligent systems that autonomously operate core functions with human oversight, powered by data and AI to orchestrate seamless operations and passenger experiences.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Rolls-Royce SMR and Equilibrion have partnered to explore nuclear-powered sustainable aviation fuel, aiming to scale low-carbon fuel production for UK and global aviation using small modular reactor technology.

Southern Energy Renewables has announced a $1.4 billion investment to develop a green methanol and sustainable aviation fuel facility in Louisiana, converting wood-waste biomass into low-carbon fuels and creating more than 500 potential new jobs.

Gevo has announced plans to expand capacity at its North Dakota ethanol plant to 75 million gallons annually, while aiming to make a final investment decision on an adjacent sustainable aviation fuel project later this year.

Axens has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus to strengthen cooperation on sustainable aviation fuel development, aiming to accelerate technology scale-up and support the industry’s transition toward net-zero emissions by 2050.

AIRCO has introduced a containerised technology platform designed to produce synthetic fuels directly at the point of use, enabling on-site generation in remote or infrastructure-constrained environments for both civilian and defence applications.

thyssenkrupp Uhde has secured a contract to conduct an integration study for a major biomass-to-methanol project in Nova Scotia, which aims to produce more than 450,000 metric tons of methanol annually using sustainable woody biomass.

Research commissioned by Sydney Airport finds Australians support a domestic sustainable aviation fuel industry to create regional jobs, support farmers, and process local feedstocks currently exported overseas.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

The US Department of Transportation has selected eight pilot projects across 26 states to test eVTOL aircraft later in 2026, covering urban air taxi service, cargo operations, emergency response and regional passenger transportation.

California-based eVTOL developer Joby Aviation has advanced to testing its first FAA-conforming aircraft, marking its entry into the final phase of certification as it aims to get agency test pilots in the cockpit later this year.

A South African-developed membrane electrode assembly has been successfully validated inside a commercial aviation-grade fuel cell stack for unmanned aircraft, marking a significant milestone towards locally produced hydrogen-electric aviation systems.

FuelCellsWorks
Image: Fuel Cells Works

Australian hypersonic flight company Hypersonix Launch Systems has successfully completed the first flight of its Dart AE hypersonic aircraft, gathering invaluable technical data to shape the design of future operational hypersonic systems.

A glimpse of the future of flying taxis has been seen in China, where AutoFlight has demonstrated its five-ton Matrix eVTOL, though the industry acknowledges that full commercialisation remains dependent on certification and ecosystem development.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: Europe’s first domestic flight route using SAF opens & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-denmark-inaugurates-first-flight-with-sustainable-aviation-fuelhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-denmark-inaugurates-first-flight-with-sustainable-aviation-fuelFri, 06 Mar 2026 16:30:49 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

Sustainable aviation fuel prices have surged to record highs as the Middle East conflict tightens global jet fuel markets, with California reaching an all-time peak.

A Dutch study has found that capital grants and market-based incentives currently offer the most effective means of closing the cost gap for advanced sustainable aviation fuels.

EcoCeres has urged European policymakers to keep the SAF market open and competitive, warning that trade defence measures could undermine climate goals and tighten supply.

ISCC has partnered with OMV and Airbus to strengthen credibility in book-and-claim systems and explore new facilitator roles to support global SAF adoption.

Singapore Airlines has emerged as a central force in Asia’s decarbonisation race, catalysing alliances on SAF and fleet upgrades to meet net-zero targets.

Air France-KLM has missed its 2025 sustainability-linked bond target due to fleet delays and geopolitical issues, triggering a €7.5 million cost impact.

CLIMATE WATCH: Humanity heating planet faster than ever before, study finds - The Guardian

Global heating has accelerated to about 0.35°C per decade over the past ten years, nearly double the previous rate, a new study has found.

Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Aurrigo International has secured a ground handling license at East Midlands Airport to support the deployment of its autonomous baggage and cargo technologies.

Aurrigo granted ground handling services license at East Midlands Airport with autonomous technology.
Image: Aurrigo

Korean Air has cut its aircraft carbon emissions by over 420,000 tonnes through fleet modernisation and AI-powered fuel management, despite increased flight operations.

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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Europe's first SAF-powered domestic route launched on 4 March, with Norwegian flying Aalborg–Copenhagen on a 40% SAF blend refined from used cooking oil, cutting ~3,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually under Denmark's national green aviation agreement.

Syzygy Plasmonics has signed an MOU with Geo to develop commercial-scale SAF projects in Brazil, using biogas derived from sugarcane waste.

Calumet’s MaxSAF expansion at Montana Renewables remains on track for Q2 2026, boosting SAF capacity to 120-150 million gallons per year.

Siemens has partnered with CAPHENIA to scale SAF production, providing automation and digitalisation for plasma technology that converts bio-methane into synthesis gas.

Eco Innovation Group has executed definitive agreements to acquire Kepler GTL, building a platform to convert stranded gas into sustainable aviation fuel.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Archer Aviation has signed an agreement with Starlink to integrate high-speed satellite internet into its Midnight air taxis, supporting connectivity and future autonomy.

Skyports Infrastructure and Korean Air have signed an MOU to develop a joint technology platform managing vertiport automation and low-altitude air traffic for eVTOLs.

AURA AERO has secured the first firm order for its 19-seater hybrid-electric ERA aircraft from French private airline Pan Européenne Air Service.

Image: AURA AERO

ZeroAvia has signed a deal to support the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute in developing and testing liquid hydrogen storage systems for aircraft.

Exeter Airport is conducting a second hydrogen ground power trial in winter conditions, building on last year’s successful multi-equipment demonstration.

FlyOnE has introduced eVTOL air taxi operations on the Perth–Rottnest Island corridor, following successful proof-of-concept electric flights and solar-powered charging.

RTX’s hybrid-electric demonstrator has moved a step closer to flight, aiming to show 30% fuel efficiency improvements through its Pratt & Whitney, Collins and H55 collaboration.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: LanzaJet announces $47 million in new capital, first close of equity round & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-lanzajet-announces-47-million-in-new-capital-first-equity-roundhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-lanzajet-announces-47-million-in-new-capital-first-equity-roundFri, 27 Feb 2026 16:16:05 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

Joby Aviation and Uber have unveiled the app interface for their upcoming air taxi service, with plans to launch in Dubai this year as certification progresses in the US.

Uber Air powered by Joby app screenshot with JAS4-1 eVTOL aircraft
Image: Joby / Uber

California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office has recommended lawmakers reject Governor Newsom’s proposed SAF tax credit, citing concerns over the diesel excise incentive tied to carbon intensity scores.

Archer has filed a patent infringement complaint against Vertical Aerospace, alleging the UK company’s Valo eVTOL copies key design features of its Midnight aircraft.

CLIMATE WATCH: Bird losses are accelerating, new study finds - The New York Times

Bird populations across the United States have declined faster in warm areas, with steep losses in southern states and an accelerating rate of decrease since 1987.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Three new electric trams have joined Honolulu’s Wiki Wiki shuttle service under an “as-a-service” model, delivering quieter, emission-free transport between terminals.

South Korea has unveiled the “Black Veil,” a hydrogen-powered unmanned ground vehicle designed for stealthy, long-endurance missions in high-threat military environments.

Jet2.com has completed a two-year programme to install Split Scimitar Winglets on 74 Boeing 737-800s, cutting annual carbon emissions by over 28,000 tonnes.

Birmingham Airport has set out a net-zero roadmap covering Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with on-site solar, fleet electrification and renewable electricity supplies.

JFK’s Terminal 4 has been re-certified at LEED Platinum level following a $1.5 billion transformation that introduced electric buses, rainwater harvesting and SAF purchases.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Developers have begun engaging investors for a large-scale power-to-liquid SAF project in Patagonia, targeting 100,000 tonnes annually using wind energy and seawater.

LanzaJet has closed the first part of a $135 million funding round co-led by IAG and Shell, supporting commercial deployment of its ethanol-to-jet technology.

Honeywell’s eFining methanol-to-jet technology will be used across seven planned Verso Energy sites in Europe and the US, producing an estimated 200 million gallons of eSAF annually.

Air bp has signed a multi-year contract to supply conventional jet fuel and SAF to Airbus operations across Germany and Spain.

Petrobras has selected Topsoe’s HydroFlex technology for a potential renewable diesel and SAF project at its Boaventura Energy Complex in Brazil.

Siemens has partnered with CAPHENIA to scale SAF production, providing digitalisation and automation for plasma technology that converts bio-methane into synthesis gas.

Carbon Neutral Fuels has selected Johnson Matthey and Honeywell UOP technologies for its UK e-fuels facility, targeting 25,000 tonnes of SAF annually from 2031.

Swedavia has expanded its annual SAF procurement to include Luleå Municipality and Aviator Airport Alliance, reducing business travel emissions through joint purchasing.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Vertical Aerospace has displayed its Valo eVTOL mock-up in Miami, proposing air taxi routes between the city, Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale with 2028 certification targeted.

Vertical eVTOL routes in Florida
Image: Vertical Aerospace

ATR, Pratt & Whitney and Safran have launched four projects under the EU Clean Aviation initiative, aiming for a 30% CO2 reduction through hybrid-electric regional aircraft.

Skyports Infrastructure and Korean Air have signed an MoU to develop an integrated technology platform managing vertiport automation and low-altitude air traffic for eVTOLs.

Beta Technologies is planning to double its Vermont workforce and expand its manufacturing facility as it ramps up production of its electric aircraft.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: Air New Zealand completes electric flight trials & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-air-new-zealand-completes-electric-flight-trials-beta-aliahttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-air-new-zealand-completes-electric-flight-trials-beta-aliaFri, 20 Feb 2026 15:15:29 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry updates

European airlines will face millions in fines at the end of 2026 after the phase-out of free ETS emissions allowances, leaving them to purchase credits for all carbon dioxide output.

Four consortia have launched a five-year collaboration to build a hybrid-electric regional aircraft, aiming to demonstrate technologies that will deliver a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions.

Over 4.7 million carbon credits from DelAgua’s African cookstove projects have been approved for use under CORSIA, having secured the necessary authorisations from three host countries.

The SAFc Registry has now surpassed 500,000 tonnes of CO2 abated through its platform, issuing certificates for more than 164,000 tonnes of SAF since its launch in 2023.

CLIMATE WATCH: U.S. Tells International Energy Agency to Drop Its Focus on Climate Change - The New York Times

The Trump administration has threatened to withdraw the US from the International Energy Agency unless it abandons its focus on climate change and its net-zero scenario.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Three new electric trams have joined Honolulu’s Wiki Wiki shuttle fleet, replacing older vehicles to transport passengers quietly and efficiently between terminals.

An electric tram parked on the tarmac at Honolou airport. The sun is shining and there is a mountain peak in the distance.
Image: Daniel K Inouye International Airport

San Francisco International Airport is accelerating its energy transformation through electrification, solar expansion and advanced energy management systems to meet its net zero goals.

SPIE Belgium has completed an airfield lighting modernisation at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, replacing nearly 200km of cable and converting 95% of lights to LED, cutting energy use by 80-85%.

GoML has deployed an Agentic AI solution for TripAI that optimises taxi-out fuel consumption, helping airlines achieve 1-3% savings through data-driven recommendations and plain-English queries.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Metafuels has raised $24 million to commercialise its e-SAF technology, which converts green methanol into jet fuel and addresses feedstock limitations facing other production pathways.

Heathrow has increased its SAF incentive scheme to £80 million, aiming to boost SAF use to 5.6% in 2026 and exceed the UK government’s mandate by 2%.

Neste and World Fuel have extended their partnership for five years, enabling Neste-supplied SAF to reach more than 100 airports across the UK and Europe.

World Energy and Montana Renewables have joined forces to deliver over 70 million gallons of SAF across three years, supporting corporate inset programmes and North American production expansion.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Air New Zealand has completed a four-month electric aircraft demonstration with Beta Technologies, flying 100 missions and confirming significantly lower operating costs than conventional planes.

Beta Technologies N401NZ
Image: Air New Zealand

A UK trial has proven that hydrogen ground support equipment can operate safely airside, with a new report calling for longer, integrated trials to bridge the infrastructure gap.

Aviation battery startup H55 has passed a major regulatory milestone after EASA witnessed tests confirming its battery modules are certifiable, using production hardware and a novel approach to thermal runaway prevention.

Siemens is expanding its alliance with ACS to deliver integrated drive and automation solutions, including an eVTOL aircraft testing project focused on energy efficiency and safety.

US lawmakers have introduced legislation to reform type certification processes for advanced air mobility aircraft, establishing clearer timelines and expanding the FAA’s delegation authority.

Australian hypersonic flight pioneer Hypersonix has opened a launch window for its DART AE scramjet-powered flight, which will validate propulsion and guidance systems at Mach 5+ with zero CO2 emissions.

Conscious Aerospace has begun designing a 2-megawatt hydrogen-electric propulsion system for Dash 8 aircraft, with ground testing expected by late 2028 and service entry in 2030.

Horizon Aircraft has selected North Aircraft Industries to manufacture the transforming wings for its Cavorite X7 eVTOL, moving the seven-seat hybrid-electric aircraft closer to its 2027 test flight.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: SkyNRG secures funding to build Netherlands’ first SAF plant & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-skynrg-secures-funding-to-build-first-saf-plant-netherlandshttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-skynrg-secures-funding-to-build-first-saf-plant-netherlandsFri, 13 Feb 2026 16:10:19 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

A recent study has revealed that while environmental concerns influence over half of UK airline passengers, more than two-thirds have never booked a flight based on green credentials, highlighting a significant trust gap.

LOT Polish Airlines has become the first carrier to integrate Sustainable Aviation Fuel emissions reductions into its data reported via the IATA CO2 Connect calculator, boosting transparency.

CLIMATE WATCH: Trump’s EPA repeals landmark climate finding in gift to ‘billionaire polluters’ - The Guardian

The Trump administration has revoked the “endangerment finding,” the scientific basis for regulating climate-heating pollution, a move critics have labelled a gift to polluters at the expense of public health.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Aviramp has supplied a new solar-powered, step-free boarding ramp to Ireland West Airport, improving accessibility and operational efficiency for passengers with reduced mobility.

Aston University has partnered with Aurrigo to develop advanced AI systems for autonomous baggage vehicles, aiming to improve efficiency and sustainability in airport ground operations.

Image: Aston University

Nantes Atlantique Airport has commissioned €15 million in new electrical infrastructure, electrifying aircraft stands and deploying charging points to cut ground emissions by up to 50%.

The completion of the Rail Baltica terminal in Tallinn is set to transform the area around the airport into a “second city center” by 2030, creating a major transport hub to attract international business.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

SkyNRG has secured financing for the Netherlands’ first large-scale SAF production plant, with KLM positioned as the primary off-taker for the new facility.

Adelaide University has launched a new international research initiative with China to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel development, focusing on policy alignment and investment readiness.

Concrete Chemicals, a partnership between Zaffra and ENERTRAG, has secured €350 million in public funding to build Germany’s largest industrial eSAF production facility.

Praj Industries has successfully demonstrated its ethanol-to-jet process at its SAF demonstration plant, marking a significant milestone in the global transition to low-carbon aviation fuels.

Towngas, Sinopec (Hong Kong) and Sinopec Star have signed an MOU to form a strategic partnership spanning clean energy solutions, including hydrogen, green methanol and SAF.

Cemvita and Radix have made progress on front-end engineering for a project in Brazil to convert crude glycerin into bio-oil for SAF, potentially reducing costs by nearly 40%.

Cathay’s Corporate SAF Program achieved another record year of growth in 2025, with commitments more than doubling as corporate and cargo partners joined forces to decarbonise.

Gazprom Neft has undertaken rig testing for what it claims will be Russia’s first sustainable aviation fuel, derived from waste oils and animal fats.

FedEx expanded its use of blended sustainable aviation fuel to five US airports in 2025, securing millions of gallons to support its aviation sustainability strategy.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

HAMR Energy has successfully closed a $10 million Series A funding round with Airbus and Qantas to advance its pipeline of low carbon liquid fuel projects in Australia.

Horizon Aircraft has added two key suppliers for its Cavorite X7 prototype and is evaluating the potential of building a separate CTOL test asset to expedite development.

Munich startup ERC System has conducted a successful test flight of its 2.7-tonne eVTOL prototype, Romeo, designed for heavy-lift missions such as emergency patient transfers.

ERC System Romeo eVTOL prototype in hover flight over an airfield with eight rotors deployed
Image: ERC System

The University of Bath and Druck have entered a partnership to develop the world’s first flight-certified cryogenic hydrogen pressure sensor, helping pave the way for net-zero aviation.

A South African-developed membrane electrode assembly has been successfully validated inside a commercial aviation-grade fuel cell stack, marking a major milestone for the country’s hydrogen strategy.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: ATAG updates Waypoint 2050, says urgent action needed in the next 5 years & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-atag-updates-waypoint-2050-says-urgent-action-needed-in-next-five-yearshttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-atag-updates-waypoint-2050-says-urgent-action-needed-in-next-five-yearsFri, 06 Feb 2026 15:06:13 GMTEach Friday, we publish a roundup of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry updates

ATAG has warned that the next five years are crucial for aviation decarbonisation, urging accelerated SAF scale-up, efficiency improvements and policy action to meet mid-century net-zero targets.

ASEAN countries face a complex net-zero path due to uneven infrastructure, regulatory divergence and financing gaps, requiring stronger regional cooperation to scale sustainable fuels and technology.

The UK environmental watchdog has urged airlines to disclose flight carbon impacts to customers, aiming to boost transparency, support consumer choice and pressure carriers to reduce emissions.

IATA’s chief has warned that shortages of new aircraft and sustainable fuel risk undermining emissions goals, urging accelerated production and supply expansion to avoid future climate setbacks.

CLIMATE WATCH: Flawed economic models mean climate crisis could crash global economy, experts warn - The Guardian

Experts say flawed economic models have underestimated climate risk, potentially crashing the global economy by ignoring tipping points and underpricing damage from accelerating climate change.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

A new report has found that improved perceived sustainability in airline cabins could enhance brand value and loyalty, with eco-friendly interiors resonating with environmentally conscious travellers.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

FlyORO is promoting modular airport SAF blending systems to simplify last-mile fuel delivery, aiming to boost on-site SAF access and reduce logistical barriers to widespread adoption.

Image: FlyORO’s AlphaLite blending system

Singapore has begun a SAF procurement trial with nine firms, including Temasek, Google and SIA, aiming to create early SAF demand and reduce aviation’s carbon footprint.

Honeywell and TruAlt BioEnergy have signed a deal to advance SAF development, combining technology and feedstock expertise to unlock new low-carbon production pathways.

Keppel and ASTER have announced plans for a SAF plant with 100,000-tonne capacity, supporting Singapore’s SAF supply ambitions and regional low-carbon aviation fuel infrastructure.

Indian Oil has secured India’s first SAF certification, planning 35,000 tonnes annually from used cooking oil, supporting national blending targets and early steps towards aviation decarbonisation, though feedstock supply remains critical.

OXCCU has begun using green hydrogen in a pilot plant, aiming to reduce carbon intensity in aviation fuel production and demonstrate hydrogen integration at scale.

FedEx has deployed sustainable aviation fuel at Dallas and New York airports, expanding corporate SAF use to cut lifecycle emissions in cargo operations.

Spanish researchers have developed a reusable catalyst that improves the conversion of biomass into SAF precursors, supporting lower-carbon fuel pathways.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

ZeroAvia has detailed certification headwinds slowing its hydrogen aircraft timeline, including regulatory complexity and technical challenges delaying commercial rollout.

AutoFlight has unveiled the world’s first five-ton class eVTOL aircraft, advancing payload capacity for electric vertical flight and supporting broader urban and regional air mobility.

Image: AutoFlight

Norway has completed its first electric aviation test project with Bristow Group, marking progress in operational trials of electric aircraft technologies in real-world conditions.

A new partnership with Druck is set to drive breakthroughs in hydrogen-powered aircraft development, combining systems expertise to tackle key propulsion and certification challenges.

The fourth EU Clean Aviation funding proposal has acknowledged hydrogen’s upcoming importance, directing investment towards hydrogen propulsion R&D and future zero-emission aircraft systems.

NTU Singapore has unveiled Singapore’s first locally designed and built full-scale eVTOL technology demonstrator, highlighting growing domestic aerospace R&D and electric aviation capability.

Vertical Aerospace has selected Evolito as its electric propulsion partner for the Valo programme, aiming to advance high-efficiency powertrain technology in its next eVTOL aircraft.

Attending SAF Investor London this February? Use SIMPLI10 at checkout to receive 10% off your registration.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: New studies confirm minor flight re-routing to avoid contrails would have major climate benefits & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-new-studies-confirm-minor-flight-rerouting-avert-climate-impacthttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-new-studies-confirm-minor-flight-rerouting-avert-climate-impactFri, 30 Jan 2026 16:54:41 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

Two European studies show that adjusting routes of just 10% of flights — mainly night flights in autumn and winter — could reduce contrail-related warming by up to 70% with minimal operational impact.

Vueling has launched an open innovation programme inviting start-ups to address sustainability, operational efficiency, and passenger experience, aiming to accelerate adoption of scalable technologies across its airline and airport ecosystem.

Swedavia has launched a green financing framework and issued SEK 800 million in sustainable bonds, linking airport funding to climate targets and supporting long-term decarbonisation of Sweden’s aviation infrastructure.

CLIMATE WATCH: US leads record global surge in gas-fired power driven by AI demands, with big costs for the climate - The Guardian

Experts have warned that rising gas power generation and energy-hungry artificial intelligence systems have risked increasing emissions, potentially undermining climate targets and accelerating global warming and extreme weather impacts.

Image: The Guardian

Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Bristol Airport and Ultima Forma have developed a liquid hydrogen refuelling concept, supporting early infrastructure planning for zero-emission aircraft and future hydrogen-powered commercial aviation operations.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Topsoe has been selected to support major SAF projects in China, strengthening large-scale SAF production and accelerating the country’s push to expand domestic low-carbon aviation fuel capacity.

Boeing and Israel’s Technion have expanded collaboration on SAF research, supporting technology development as the sector has grappled with policy uncertainty and pressure to scale low-carbon fuel production.

EcoCeres has inaugurated its first SAF plant in Malaysia, expanding regional SAF production capacity and supporting growing Asian demand for low-carbon aviation fuels.

Honeywell has partnered with SAF One and Tata Projects to enable SAF production, supporting deployment of licensed technology and accelerating development of new SAF facilities.

LanzaTech has selected the Humber region for a £600 million SAF plant, supporting UK industrial decarbonisation and large-scale production of low-carbon aviation fuel from waste-based feedstocks.

Praj Industries has achieved a global first in SAF technology, strengthening its intellectual property and positioning for expanded deployment of advanced SAF production pathways.

Haffner Energy, LanzaJet and LanzaTech have partnered to unlock alcohol-to-jet SAF production, aiming to scale conversion of low-carbon alcohol feedstocks into SAF.

Germany has approved €350 million in funding for its largest power-to-liquid e-SAF facility in Schwedt, supporting large-scale synthetic aviation fuel production using renewable electricity.

FedEx has taken delivery of SAF at Dallas Fort Worth and New York JFK airports, expanding corporate use of SAF to reduce lifecycle emissions from global air cargo operations.

Indian Oil and Akasa Air signed an LOI at Wings India 2026 to explore SAF supply, supporting sustainability goals and reducing aviation emissions through collaboration on feedstocks, volumes, and logistics.

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New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Eve Air Mobility has expanded electric air taxi testing in Florida, advancing certification and operational trials ahead of planned passenger services using Embraer-backed eVTOL aircraft.

NASA and GE have completed hybrid-electric engine tests, generating data to support development of more efficient propulsion systems for next-generation low-emissions aircraft.

Image: GE

Toshiba and Airbus have advanced superconducting electric motor concepts for hydrogen aircraft, supporting development of high-efficiency propulsion systems for future zero-emission aviation.

Vertical Aerospace has outlined proposed eVTOL routes in New York, supporting early planning for urban air mobility operations and integration of electric aircraft into city transport networks.

Stralis and EVIA AERO have deepened their partnership, with EVIA AERO committing to five Bonanza A36 hydrogen electric retrofits, advancing zero emission aviation across Europe.

South Korea has completed the first flight of its domestically developed electric aircraft, marking a milestone for national aerospace innovation and signalling early progress towards lower-emissions regional aviation technology.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: UK invests £43M in green aviation R&D for hydrogen & net zero & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-uk-invests-43m-in-hydrogen-and-net-zero-technologieshttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-uk-invests-43m-in-hydrogen-and-net-zero-technologiesFri, 23 Jan 2026 12:05:17 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

The UK government will invest £43 million in green aviation research and development to advance hydrogen propulsion, net-zero flight technologies, and early-stage innovations supporting long-term decarbonisation of the aviation sector.

VINCI Airports has secured €120 million in sustainability-linked financing to support environmental upgrades at Cape Verde airports, tying borrowing costs to progress on emissions reduction and sustainability performance targets.

TotalEnergies’ chief executive has warned that the European Union’s proposed sustainable aviation fuel mandate may be dropped or weakened, citing cost pressures and political resistance across member states.

The SkyTeam awards showcased how 22 airlines reduced CO2 intensity by 13.5% on average through award-winning, scalable solutions — from KLM’s 100% SAF tickets to Kenya Airways’ plastic-free cabins and Air Europa for AI-optimised flights.

CLIMATE WATCH: Half of world’s CO2 emissions come from just 32 fossil fuel firms, study shows - The Guardian

A major study has found that fossil fuel companies’ products have been responsible for a large share of global CO2 emissions, reinforcing evidence linking corporate producers to accelerating climate change impacts.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Changi Airport has deployed autonomous electric tractors for airside baggage operations, improving efficiency, reducing labour intensity, and cutting emissions from ground handling activities.

A turquoise driverless tractor deployed airside at Changi Airport.
Image: Changi Airport Group

Hamad International Airport and Kahramaa have launched new electric vehicle charging stations under Qatar’s Tarsheed programme, supporting cleaner transport and energy efficiency at airport facilities.

Venice Marco Polo Airport has advanced its net-zero strategy, redesigning energy systems to balance renewable generation, efficiency, and environmental protection of the surrounding lagoon ecosystem.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Syzygy Plasmonics has signed a landmark commercial offtake agreement with Trafigura to supply advanced sustainable aviation fuel, supporting early market demand for next-generation low-carbon fuels.

Gevo has won a new patent strengthening its ethanol-to-olefins pathway, enhancing intellectual property around technology that could support scalable sustainable aviation fuel and chemicals production.

Fortum and Skavsta Airport have begun assessing development of a hydrogen and e-SAF hub in Sweden, aiming to support future production and distribution of low-carbon aviation fuels.

SAFFA has committed up to US$30 million to the SAF One project, supporting construction starting in 2026 and accelerating new sustainable aviation fuel production capacity.

Indonesia has announced plans to develop malapari oil as a sustainable alternative fuel feedstock, aiming to diversify domestic biofuel sources and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

AVEVA has made its first sustainable aviation fuel purchase five years ahead of schedule, supporting the World Economic Forum’s First Movers Coalition and signalling early corporate demand for SAF.

Syntholene Energy has secured an expression of interest for its synthetic fuel technology, supporting progress towards commercialisation of low-carbon fuels for aviation and other transport sectors.

Jet Aviation has again offered sustainable aviation fuel in Zurich during the World Economic Forum, supporting business aviation customers seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of private flights.

TUI Group has significantly increased its use of sustainable aviation fuel, expanding SAF purchases across its airline operations to support near-term emissions reductions.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Eve Air Mobility has secured US$150 million in new financing to accelerate development of its eVTOL aircraft, strengthening its balance sheet ahead of certification and commercial launch.

Joby Aviation has introduced its first CAE flight simulators, supporting pilot training and advancing preparations for commercial air taxi operations and regulatory approval.

Image: Joby Aviation

Bristow Group has signed a purchase agreement for Electra’s EL9 hybrid-electric aircraft, supporting plans to deploy low-emissions aircraft for regional and specialist operations.

French startup Beyond Aero has validated its unique hydrogen-electric business jet design in wind tunnel tests, moving closer to a 2030 launch for an aircraft promising 55% lower operating costs.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: Cascadia Coalition sets ambitious course for SAF production & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-cascadia-coalition-sets-ambitious-course-for-saf-productionhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-cascadia-coalition-sets-ambitious-course-for-saf-productionFri, 16 Jan 2026 14:03:23 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry updates

The Cascadia SAF Coalition has set an ambitious roadmap to scale SAF production across the Pacific Northwest, aligning regional policy, investment, and infrastructure to accelerate commercial deployment.

Five Key Risks That Will Shape 2026 - IATA

IATA has warned that geopolitical instability, supply chain disruption, sustainability costs, regulatory fragmentation, and talent shortages have emerged as five key risks shaping aviation resilience and growth in 2026.

A new study has found that removing lie-flat seats could significantly reduce aircraft weight and emissions, suggesting cabin reconfiguration offers airlines a low-cost decarbonisation opportunity.

Safran executives have cautioned that hydrogen aircraft remain a long-term prospect, with technological, economic, and infrastructure barriers meaning widespread adoption is unlikely before the next century.

Delta Air Lines has marked its centenary by highlighting clean energy achievements, including fleet efficiency gains, SAF use, and operational improvements supporting long-term decarbonisation goals.

CLIMATE WATCH: Human activity helped make 2025 third-hottest year on record, experts say - The Guardian

Scientists have confirmed that human activity has significantly contributed to 2025 becoming the third-hottest year on record, reinforcing links between emissions growth and intensifying climate impacts.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has progressed towards net-zero carbon emissions, expanding renewable energy, efficiency upgrades, and electrification across one of the world’s busiest hubs.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

SkyNRG has secured environmental approvals for Project Wigeon, clearing a major hurdle for the construction of a pioneering SAF production facility in eastern Washington state.

Avinor has commissioned a fossil-free biogas plant at Svalbard Airport, marking a major step in reducing emissions from airport heating and supporting Norway’s aviation decarbonisation strategy.

Washington State has committed US$20 million to green aviation initiatives as a Walla Walla SAF plant advances, strengthening public support for regional sustainable fuel production.

Bunge Brazil has become the first company to certify soybeans for SAF under ISCC CORSIA Plus, expanding traceable feedstock options for SAF producers.

Aether Fuels has secured US$15 million in funding to accelerate SAF development, aiming to decarbonise aviation through scalable production and improved fuel economics.

New technology: electric and hydrogen

United Airlines, RTX, Northrop Grumman, and JetZero have partnered to advance blended-wing aircraft concepts, aiming to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions through novel airframe design.

Nordic energy companies have launched a €1 billion fossil-free e-fuel project, targeting development of what could become the world’s largest synthetic SAF production facility.

Advent Technologies and Airbus have expanded their fuel cell partnership, advancing hydrogen propulsion research and strengthening pathways towards zero-emission commercial aircraft.

Horizon Aircraft has targeted assembly of its Cavorite X7 hybrid-eVTOL prototype in 2026, progressing towards flight testing and certification for regional air mobility markets.

Evio has demonstrated that hybrid-electric aircraft could deliver meaningful airline cost savings through reduced fuel burn, maintenance requirements, and emissions.

SkyDrive has reached a general understanding with AeroGulf Services to explore deployment of eVTOL aircraft, supporting early commercialisation of urban air mobility services.

China has accelerated development of hydrogen and electric aviation technologies, positioning advanced aircraft manufacturing as part of its broader clean energy industrial strategy.

Joby has expanded production capacity to meet anticipated demand, signalling growing confidence in the near-term commercial rollout of eVTOL services.

AIR has unveiled a personal eVTOL aircraft at CES 2026, highlighting advances in lightweight design and autonomy aimed at future individual air mobility.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: UK misses 2% SAF blending mandate in 2025 by 20% & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-uk-misses-2-safhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-uk-misses-2-safFri, 09 Jan 2026 14:15:46 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

The UK has fallen around 20% short of its 2025 sustainable aviation fuel blending target, highlighting policy delays, limited domestic supply, and concerns over meeting future decarbonisation commitments.

Global sustainable aviation fuel production more than doubled in 2025, but IATA has warned that SAF still represents a very small share of total jet fuel consumption worldwide.

Thailand has mandated a 1% SAF blend in Jet A-1 from January 1, 2026, introducing new fuel standards and SAF specifications in compliance with ASTM D7566, initially limited to HEFA.

SkyTeam has announced finalists for its fourth Aviation Challenge, where 22 airlines showcased 80 flights and 224 initiatives demonstrating measurable sustainability impact across emissions, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

Hawaiian Airlines has announced a US$600 million investment programme to modernise cabins, improve reliability, and support sustainability initiatives, including fleet efficiency and lower-emissions operations.

A new study finds that aviation emissions could fall 50% through efficiency gains alone, noting 1% of people produce half of emissions and fueling debate over regulating luxury air travel.

CLIMATE WATCH: Record ocean heat is intensifying climate disasters, data shows - The Guardian

Scientists have warned that record ocean heat has already intensified extreme weather, accelerating climate disasters worldwide and underscoring the urgent need for rapid emissions reductions.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Portland International Airport has relaunched its Green Plate programme, cutting an estimated 33,000 pounds of food waste annually through composting, reuse, and improved concessions management.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Topsoe and Carbon Neutral Fuels have partnered to advance e-SAF production using solid oxide electrolyser technology, aiming to improve efficiency and accelerate scalable synthetic aviation fuel deployment.

Dubai Airports’ chief executive has taken a leading role in a new initiative to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel adoption, focusing on regional collaboration and long-term supply development.

HPCL has inaugurated a sustainable aviation fuel demonstration plant at its Visakh refinery, marking a key step in India’s efforts to develop domestic SAF production capability.

Image source: HPCL

Swiss startups Metafuels and Synhelion advanced SAF commercialisation, with Metafuels progressing its Rotterdam eSAF project and Synhelion securing a long-term solar jet fuel supply deal with SWISS.

Aviation fuel start-up Lydian has expanded operations, signalling growing investor interest in alternative aviation fuels despite ongoing challenges around cost and commercial scale.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Eve Air Mobility has completed the first flight of its full-scale eVTOL prototype, advancing its development programme towards certification and future urban air mobility operations.

Image source: Eve Air Mobility

Joby Aviation has moved closer to commercial air taxi services after further FAA progress, though regulators have maintained cautious oversight on safety and certification timelines.

Beta Technologies has surpassed 100,000 nautical miles of flight testing, using real-world operations to refine electric aircraft performance and strengthen its certification case.

Electra has positioned its hybrid-electric EL9 aircraft for military logistics, pitching it as a flexible, low-emissions transport solution for short-field and distributed operations.

Joby Aviation has unveiled plans for a network of vertiports across US metropolitan areas, aiming to support future electric air taxi services at commercial scale.

Miami’s Watson Island heliport has been slated for transformation into a next-generation advanced air mobility facility, supporting eVTOL operations and passenger services.

Lift Aircraft has initiated the FAA type certification process for its commercial eVTOL, marking a formal step towards regulatory approval and wider market entry.

ZeroAvia has completed a new financing round, strengthening its balance sheet as it accelerates development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aviation.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: ICAO releases first-ever growth factor for airlines’ CORSIA offsetting requirements & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-icao-releases-first-ever-growth-factor-for-airline-corsia-requirementshttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-icao-releases-first-ever-growth-factor-for-airline-corsia-requirementsFri, 19 Dec 2025 12:31:51 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

A new Asia-Pacific SAF report warns of pessimistic uptake by 2030 without urgent policy support, citing price gaps and unclear government targets as major blockers.

The US Department of Transportation has launched its first National Advanced Air Mobility Strategy, outlining 40 recommendations to support the development of AAM operations.

ICAO has confirmed that governments will soon notify airlines of their first carbon offsetting requirements under the CORSIA scheme, using newly calculated growth factors.

KLM is strongly backing a call for a Dutch national SAF fund to accelerate domestic production and make the fuel more affordable for the aviation sector.

SWISS and Kuehne+Nagel have partnered to support Synhelion’s synthetic aviation fuel, with a long-term purchase commitment to help scale up production.

CLIMATE WATCH: How climate breakdown is putting the world’s food in peril – The Guadian

Experts have warned that climate change is threatening global food security, with extreme weather projected to significantly reduce future crop yields.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

KLM has introduced new electric aircraft tow tractors at Schiphol Airport, marking a step towards its goal of zero-emission ground operations by 2030.

Image: KLM

Athens International Airport will meet 100% of its electricity needs from self-generated renewable energy from January 2026, achieving its net-zero target early.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Neste and Cathay Group have agreed on the supply of SAF across three major regions to support the airline’s decarbonisation efforts.

Three companies have signed an MoU to explore an integrated low-carbon fuels platform in the US, aiming to boost SAF production and availability.

Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines have joined a project to pioneer SAF production in Hawai’i using locally grown camelina as a feedstock.

ATOBA Energy and Flying Forest have signed a letter of intent for a long-term SAF offtake agreement to support a new production facility in Finland.

Chinese company Jiaze New Energy has announced plans to invest $490 million in a green hydrogen alcohol aviation fuel project in Heilongjiang province.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Wisk Aero has conducted the first flight of its Generation 6 autonomous eVTOL aircraft, beginning a new test phase for the candidate certification model.

Image: Wisk Aero

Saudi Arabia’s GACA has signed an agreement with Archer to collaborate on establishing a regulatory pathway for eVTOL operations in the Kingdom.

Israeli company Air has unveiled a production-ready, uncrewed heavy-lift cargo eVTOL aircraft, announcing its first delivery to a customer.

EVIO Inc. has publicly launched its EVIO 810 hybrid-electric regional aircraft, with conditional orders for 450 units and support from Boeing and Pratt & Whitney Canada.

The Netherlands Aerospace Centre has opened a new Energy to Propulsion Test Facility for researching sustainable aircraft powertrains, including hydrogen technologies.

Swiss start-up Smartflyer is aiming for a first flight of its SF-1 light aircraft in late summer 2026, with prototypes for electric, hybrid, and hydrogen versions.

Beyond Aero has unveiled a feasibility study for a future factory to produce its BYA-1 hydrogen-electric business jet, conducted with Porsche Consulting.

Archer Aviation has announced plans for a new UK engineering hub and a key hire to support its collaboration on British defence programmes with Anduril and GKN.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability40: IATA warns poorly designed SAF mandates threaten decarbonisation & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability40-iata-warns-poorly-designed-saf-mandates-threaten-decarbonisationhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability40-iata-warns-poorly-designed-saf-mandates-threaten-decarbonisationFri, 12 Dec 2025 16:15:32 GMTThis Friday, we’re publishing a round-up of the 40 most important sustainable aviation stories from the past two weeks. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry updates

The International Air Transport Association has revised its sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) forecasts downwards, citing insufficient policy support and high costs that hinder industry decarbonisation targets.

A new European eSAF coalition has been launched, with several member states committing to scale up synthetic aviation fuel production to meet EU regulatory targets.

Scientists are testing aircraft engine emissions using SAF to understand its impact on air quality and non-CO₂ climate effects.

US lawmakers have introduced the SAF Act to reinstate a tax credit, aiming to bolster the SAF industry and lower emissions.

Delta Air Lines has reported progress on its sustainability strategy, investing in next-generation aircraft and operational efficiency to advance its net-zero goals.

Air New Zealand is testing a battery-electric BETA Alia CX300 aircraft and preparing infrastructure, committing to 8,000t of NZ-sourced carbon removals by 2030, while NZ and Australian firms develop hydrogen flight tech.

Image via GreenAir News.

CLIMATE WATCH: ‘Not normal’: Climate crisis supercharged deadly monsoon floods in Asia - The Guardian

A scientific analysis has concluded that human-caused climate change intensified the deadly monsoon rains and cyclones that recently flooded parts of Asia.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

The New Terminal One at JFK Airport is set to open in 2026, featuring sustainable design and advanced technology as part of a major airport redevelopment.

IATA data reveals aircraft idling on the ground burns significant fuel, costing hundreds of millions annually and highlighting a key area for operational efficiency gains.

The Lufthansa Group is expanding its fuel-efficiency programme, having already saved thousands of tonnes of kerosene through over 90 operational measures.

Norwegian has agreed to install fuel-saving Finlet modifications on its entire Boeing 737-800 fleet to improve aerodynamic performance and reduce emissions.

Boeing has been granted a patent for an emissions tracking and display system, a software tool to help airlines model and manage their carbon footprint.

Euroairlines has partnered with AccesRail to integrate rail tickets into its booking system, offering passengers combined air and train travel options in Spain and Italy.

A new solar array on Jersey Airport’s cargo terminal has begun operations, generating enough electricity to power the equivalent of 60 homes annually.

The former Downsview Airport in Toronto is being redeveloped into a large urban district, with its historic runway transformed into a central public park.

Rolls-Royce, with partners Xanadu and Riverlane, has used quantum computing to reduce jet-engine airflow simulation times from weeks to under an hour.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Saudia begins operating SAF-powered flights from Red Sea International Airport, supporting Saudi Arabia’s national decarbonisation goals.

Ireland’s first e-fuel facility for aviation is being developed by Galetech, with potential uptake from airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair.

A new specialised laboratory for testing SAF has been announced for Fujairah, aiming to strengthen the regional SAF supply chain.

Million Air’s Austin FBO has begun receiving continuous supplies of SAF, marking Avfuel’s first consistent SAF location in Texas.

Million Air Austin with refueler
Image via AIN.

Petrobras has delivered the first SAF produced in Brazil, marking a strategic step in the country’s aviation decarbonisation efforts.

Egypt has signed an agreement with Honeywell UOP to build its first SAF plant, which will convert used cooking oil into jet fuel.

Liquid Sun has launched a pilot plant in Finland to produce synthetic crude oil for SAF, a key step in scaling eSAF production.

Korean Air is accelerating decarbonisation through fleet upgrades, fuel efficiency programmes, and expanding its use of SAF.

Mexico’s Pemex is exploring a biorefinery project with a Spanish partner to produce biogas and SAF from organic waste.

XCF Global has announced development milestones for its second SAF production facility in Nevada, aiming to double its output.

Harvard researchers have concluded that municipal waste could be a viable and low-cost feedstock for producing SAF.

Shell has signed a long-term agreement to purchase SAF from a planned plant in Egypt, providing commercial certainty for the project’s development.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Archer Aviation has detailed plans for an air taxi network in South Florida, connecting major population centres with electric aircraft flights.

Vertical Aerospace has officially retired the VX4 name and unveiled its new Valo eVTOL aircraft, designed for commercial service and targeting regulatory approval in 2028.

What's changed with Vertical Aerospace's new Valo eVTOL?
Image via Vertical Aerospace.

Eve Air Mobility has selected BETA Technologies to supply electric pusher motors for its eVTOL aircraft in a deal worth up to one billion dollars.

French start-up Beyond Aero has outlined plans for a factory to manufacture its in-development hybrid-electric business jet, the BYA-1.

Bristow expects to operate the UK’s first eVTOL air taxi service from 2029 using Vertical Aerospace’s Valo aircraft on routes including London to Heathrow.

A study by Rolls-Royce and easyJet has found that hydrogen-powered aircraft could significantly cut European aviation emissions if supported by targeted infrastructure.

Electra.aero has submitted an application to the FAA to certify its nine-passenger EL9 hybrid-electric ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft.

EHang has completed a pilotless urban passenger flight in Bangkok with its EH216-S eVTOL aircraft under Thailand’s sandbox initiative.

Boeing-backed start-up Evio has unveiled its Evio 810 hybrid-electric regional aircraft, aiming for service entry in the early 2030s.

BETA Technologies has detailed its autonomous hybrid-electric aircraft for the U.S. military, designed for greater range and speed than some helicopters.

AutoFlight has introduced a mobile, solar-powered water vertiport to provide flexible landing hubs for eVTOL aircraft on rivers and coastal areas.

Finnish startup Kelluu has secured a deal with NATO to supply its hydrogen-powered surveillance airships for military use.

Jekta Prepares to Start Flying Second Sub-Scale Hydrogen-Electric Seaplane - Aviation International News

Swiss company Jekta is preparing to flight test a second sub-scale model of its PHA-ZE 100 hydrogen-electric amphibious aircraft.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability40: UK SAF prices jump over 60% as demand surges & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-uk-saf-prices-jump-over-60-percent-as-demand-surgeshttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-uk-saf-prices-jump-over-60-percent-as-demand-surgesFri, 28 Nov 2025 15:00:14 GMTThis Friday, we’re publishing a round-up of the 40 most important sustainable aviation stories from the past two weeks. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

EASA and IATA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore synergies between the EU Flight Emissions Label and IATA’s EcoHub and CO₂ Connect tools, with the aim of achieving more consistent calculation and display of flight emissions for passengers.

A coalition of airlines and governments is urging world leaders to back a single global system for curbing aircraft emissions, warning that fragmented rules could undermine net-zero goals.

The UK’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) consumption is rising but remains below its 2% mandate, causing a late-year price surge as suppliers race to meet targets.

The head of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines has said governments in the region are taking proactive steps to help airlines achieve a 5% SAF target by 2030.

The European Union and the United Arab Emirates have held a high-level session on SAF, underscoring growing international cooperation to cut aviation emissions.

Dubai Airports will unveil the world’s first Sustainability Showcase at the Dubai Airshow, featuring a full demonstration of a sustainable aircraft turnaround.

Boeing has signed a deal with Charm Industrial to remove up to 100,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, marking its first major purchase of permanent carbon removals.

Air Tahiti Nui has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy, including a war on cabin waste and a voluntary carbon offset programme, to protect its island environment.

A new report warns that Europe’s supply of sustainable carbon for synthetic fuels is limited and will be contested by other industries needing carbon capture.

Image: T&E

Lootah Biofuels and SimpliFlying have signed an MoU to strengthen collaboration on developing and promoting SAF globally.

CLIMATE WATCH: Zombie fires: how Arctic wildfires that come back to life are ravaging forests - The Guardian

Scientists report that “zombie fires” are becoming increasingly common in the far north, smouldering underground through winter and transforming fires into multi-year events.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Heathrow Airport is using a digital Marginal Abatement Cost Curve tool to strategically prioritise its decarbonisation initiatives based on cost-effectiveness and carbon savings.

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport has announced a €10 billion investment plan to improve the passenger experience, enhance sustainability, and upgrade its facilities by 2035.

Dubai Airports has begun deploying an AI-based turnaround management system across all aircraft stands to enhance the coordination and efficiency of ground operations.

Korean Air will begin phasing out traditional meal containers from December, replacing them with plant-based alternatives made from agricultural waste.

korean air plant based meal packaging
Image: Korean Air

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

DHL Group has announced a major agreement with Phillips 66 for the purchase of over 240,000 metric tons of SAF for delivery to US airports.

Emirates and ENOC Group have signed an MoU to explore and develop joint initiatives for the supply of SAF in Dubai.

Masdar and Tadweer Group have partnered to develop a facility in Abu Dhabi that will convert waste into SAF.

China’s Unipec has signed a deal to supply Lufthansa with approximately 60,000 metric tons of jet fuel annually for its operations in Belgium and Germany.

Korean Air has partnered with Samsung E&A to develop a SAF production and supply chain, with an initial focus on the United States.

Malaysia’s minister has said the country’s first commercial production of SAF marks a major leap in its efforts to decarbonise aviation.

German start-up Greenlyte has launched a pilot plant that produces synthetic methane from captured atmospheric carbon and solar-powered green hydrogen.

Pacific Inter-Link has partnered with DHL Express to lower the carbon footprint of its shipments by using SAF through the GoGreen Plus programme.

Lufthansa Cargo and CEVA Logistics have formalised a SAF agreement, expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 8,000 tonnes in 2025.

The carinata crop has delivered strong yields in its first commercial trials in Brazil, establishing it as a promising feedstock for SAF.

XCF Global has signed an MoU with BGN to explore a global partnership for the distribution of SAF and renewable diesel.

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New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Archer Aviation has signed an agreement with The Helicopter Company and Red Sea Global to prepare for eVTOL trials in Saudi Arabia.

ZeroAvia has signed an MoU with Hybrid Air Vehicles to develop a hydrogen-electric version of the Airlander 10 aircraft.

Beta Technologies has enlisted Near Earth Autonomy to help bring autonomous flight capabilities to its Alia family of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft.

ZeroAvia has received design organisation approval from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, a key step toward certifying its hydrogen-electric propulsion system.

Joby Aviation has completed the inaugural flight of its turbine-electric, autonomous vertical take-off and landing demonstrator aircraft.

German firm Hy2gen has obtained a site in Finland for a proposed 200MW plant to produce renewable hydrogen and synthetic fuels.

Skyports Infrastructure and Dubai’s RTA have reached a significant construction milestone for the world’s first commercial vertiport, which is on schedule for a 2026 opening.

Dubai and Skyports reach ‘defining moment’ towards world’s first aerial taxi service with vertiport construction milestone.
Image: Skyports

Telecoms company Orange will help Climate Impulse map the safest route for a planned non-stop hydrogen-powered flight around the world.

Archer Aviation has agreed to acquire the master ground lease for Hawthorne Airport in Los Angeles to repurpose it as an air taxi network hub.

Pratt & Whitney has formally opened its European Technology and Innovation Center in the Netherlands, dedicated to researching advanced propulsion technologies.

Vertical Aerospace has been granted a Permit to Fly from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, authorising the final phase of flight testing for its VX4 eVTOL.

AutoFlight has unveiled the world’s first integrated sea-air solution for low-altitude mobility, combining a zero-carbon water vertiport with eVTOL aircraft.

India’s Sarla Aviation has signed an MoU to establish a 500-acre aerospace giga-campus for the manufacturing of electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

Honda is pursuing a hybrid-electric strategy for its eVTOL, betting that manufacturing scale and a longer range will trump the pure-electric strategies of rivals.

An Airbus executive has outlined the company’s position on climate measures, stating the sector needs global regulation and a realistic view of technology to reach net zero.

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]]><![CDATA[#Sustainability20: World's first – LanzaJet brings ethanol-to-jet sustainable aviation fuel to commercial scale & more]]>https://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-world-first-lanzajet-brings-ethanol-to-jet-sustainable-aviation-fuelhttps://green.simpliflying.com/p/sustainability20-world-first-lanzajet-brings-ethanol-to-jet-sustainable-aviation-fuelFri, 14 Nov 2025 17:45:43 GMTEach Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation. You can see previous editions of #Sustainability20 here.

Industry Updates

Singapore will introduce a SAF levy on departing passengers from October 2026, with fees ranging from S$1 to S$41.60 based on destination and travel class.

The European Commission has secured commitments from over twenty airlines to stop using misleading environmental claims, such as implying CO2 emissions can be fully offset.

AACO, SITA, and Amadeus have launched a new initiative to combine operational and booking data, aiming to provide more accurate and transparent aviation emissions reporting.

A Rolls-Royce led project will test if targeted SAF use on specific flights can more effectively reduce climate-warming contrails.

CLIMATE WATCH: Datacenters meet resistance over environmental concerns as AI boom spreads in Latin America - The Guardian

Communities in Latin America are resisting new datacentres over environmental concerns, accusing governments of deregulating assessments and lacking transparency about resource use.

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Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

Long Beach Airport has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 56% since 2016, surpassing its climate goals and renewing its carbon accreditation.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

LanzaJet has achieved a global first, confirming its Freedom Pines Fuels plant is fully operational and producing commercial-scale SAF from ethanol.

Image: LanzaJet

Aster and Aether Fuels will develop a commercial-scale SAF facility in Singapore to transform waste gas into fuel, with operations planned for 2028.

PETRONAS has delivered Malaysia’s first blended SAF to KL International Airport, marking a milestone for the country’s domestic SAF supply.

NXTClean Fuels has selected Topsoe’s technology for a new US facility, positioning it to become the largest greenfield SAF project in the country.

An aircraft manufacturer has warned that Australia must implement a SAF mandate within six months to avoid missing a $13 billion annual market opportunity.

A new study has found that converting municipal solid waste into SAF could cut lifecycle emissions by up to 90% compared to fossil jet fuel.

FedEx has begun using blended SAF at Chicago-O’Hare and Miami airports, expanding its SAF deployments to three major US hubs.

New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Several electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft developers are exhibiting at the Dubai Airshow as the UAE emerges as a key early market for air taxis.

Archer Aviation has concluded a flight test campaign for its Midnight aircraft in the UAE, assessing its performance in local desert conditions.

Image: Archer

Abu Dhabi has announced plans for a network of over ten vertiports to support future electric air taxi services across the emirate.

Joby Aviation has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority to facilitate the introduction of electric air taxi services in the country.

ZeroAvia and Hybrid Air Vehicles will partner to develop a hydrogen-electric variant of the Airlander 10 airship, aiming for zero-emission flights.

The University of Bristol has joined an Australian research project to study noise reduction for air taxi landing sites using a patented vertipad system.

Joby Aviation has completed the first flight of a turbine-electric, autonomous demonstrator aircraft, developed in partnership with L3Harris Technologies.

Anduril has unveiled the Omen, a new vertical takeoff and landing drone, and will co-develop it with the UAE’s EDGE Group, with an order for 50 units.

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