#Sustainability20: Air New Zealand Is First Major Airline To Scrap 2030 Emissions Target & More
Weekly Roundup - 02/08/24
Each 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
Air New Zealand has dropped its target of reducing emissions by nearly 29% by 2030 due to global manufacturing challenges affecting fleet renewal plans and a lack of sustainable fuel options.
The UK regulator proposes airlines disclose the environmental impact of flights to passengers. The Civil Aviation Authority aims to standardise information across platforms, enabling passengers to compare flights' environmental impacts from 2025.
Airbus and ACI World have signed an agreement to collaborate on aviation decarbonisation. The partnership focuses on sustainable aviation fuels, hydrogen technologies, advanced air mobility, and aircraft noise management to achieve industry sustainability targets.
CLIMATE WATCH: Antarctic temperatures rise 10C above average in near record heatwave - The Guardian
Antarctic ground temperatures soared 10°C above normal in a near-record heatwave. Climate scientists note this aligns with predictions of significant polar warming, potentially leading to ice sheet collapse.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
The Port Authority of NY/NJ launched a self-driving vehicle pilot at JFK Airport. Autonomous shuttles will transport customers between parking lots and AirTrain stations, marking the first public use of such technology.
Aurrigo's Auto-DollyTug was successfully tested at Stuttgart Airport for autonomous cargo handling. The demonstration showcased autonomous transportation, obstacle detection, and collaborative behaviour in mixed-traffic environments.
Acro Aircraft Seating has achieved 99% recyclability for its Series 9 economy seat. The company is exploring design modifications and material substitutions to make the remaining 1% recyclable while maintaining safety standards.
Miami International Airport has earned the Airport Carbon Accreditation from ACI. The recognition acknowledges MIA's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with Miami-Dade County's climate action goals.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
IAG has agreed to purchase 28,000 metric tons of SAF from Repsol. The SAF will be used by IAG airlines flying from Spanish airports, advancing the group's decarbonisation efforts.
United Airlines has purchased one million gallons of SAF for use at Chicago O'Hare Airport. This marks the first bulk SAF purchase for the airline's largest hub, supporting its goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
JetBlue is partnering with World Fuel Services to bring SAF to JFK Airport. The agreement includes delivery of at least 1 million gallons of neat SAF, with an option for an additional 4 million gallons.
The Swiss government has granted funding to Metafuels and PSI for an e-fuels production test facility. The project aims to develop technology converting green methanol into SAF with 90% lifecycle emissions reduction.
The Green Fuels Hamburg consortium has abandoned its SAF project. The project, which aimed to produce 10,000 tonnes of SAF from 2026, has been scrapped for undisclosed reasons.
Neste and HELLENiQ ENERGY will deliver blended SAF to Greece. This marks the first bulk SAF shipment to Greece, increasing availability at airports nationwide during the crucial summer tourist season.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
ZeroAvia is exploring an interim hydrogen-electric concept for narrowbody aircraft by 2030. This “stepping stone” hybrid engine would combine a gas turbine engine, for hydrogen combustion, with an electric drive and hydrogen fuel cells.
Intelligent Energy is developing high-performance hydrogen fuel cell systems for drones and eVTOLs. The company's compact fuel cell technology could power passenger aircraft before the end of the decade.
Exeter Airport will trial hydrogen-fuelled ground support equipment to reduce emissions from airport ground operations. The 'Zero Carbon Turn' Project aims to demonstrate hydrogen's potential in airport operations and future aircraft integration.
Ecojet is dedicated to achieving net-zero, emission-free travel and has signed a deal with ZeroAvia to purchase 22 ZA2000 hydrogen-electric engines, with options for 40 more, to secure early production slots once CAA certification is achieved.
Vertical Aerospace has begun test flights of its second VX4 eVTOL prototype. The aircraft features a 20% greater power-to-weight ratio and proprietary battery packs that can deliver 1.4 megawatts of peak power.
Electra.aero is partnering with Honeywell for flight control and actuation systems in its eSTOL aircraft. Honeywell's technology will enhance Electra's hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing aircraft performance and efficiency.
VoltAero has outlined plans for hybrid-electric and hydrogen-electric regional aircraft at Farnborough. The company is strengthening partnerships to develop advanced propulsion systems and expand market potential for sustainable aviation.