#Sustainability20: Alaska Airlines Bets On Blended-Wing Body Aircraft Maker JetZero & More
Weekly Roundup - 16/08/24
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
Alaska Airlines invested in JetZero’s “blended-wing body” aircraft design, promising up to 50% lower fuel burn without new fuel technology. This investment aligns with Alaska’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Silva Capital launched a fund for large-scale carbon credits from Australian nature-based projects. Rio Tinto, BHP, and Qantas committed A$80 million as foundation investors, aiming to raise A$250 million for reforestation and sustainable agriculture.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s support for SAF could accelerate industry growth. His campaign may highlight efforts to decarbonise aviation, including a state tax credit and a SAF hub partnership with major companies.
California abandoned its plan to regulate jet fuel for in-state flights, ending the first state attempt to reduce commercial aviation emissions. The Air Resources Board is now exploring alternative ways to incentivise SAF production.
CLIMATE WATCH: How extreme heat is threatening education progress worldwide - The New York Times
Climate change is causing widespread school closures due to extreme heat, threatening children’s education globally. Children today experience significantly more extremely hot days than their grandparents, with low and middle-income countries most affected.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Alaska Airlines renewed its partnership with Air Space Intelligence to optimise AI use and achieve sustainability goals. The Flyways AI platform has helped reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions, saving 1.2 million gallons of fuel last year.
Cebu Pacific and Mactan Cebu International Airport launched an initiative using bridge-mounted equipment for sustainable operations. The technology provides ground power and cabin cooling without relying on jet fuel-powered auxiliary power units.
Delhi Airport achieved net-zero carbon emission status under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, becoming India’s first airport to do so. This certification recognises the airport’s efforts to reach and maintain a net-zero carbon balance.
Riga Airport revised its carbon emission reduction roadmap, setting 2035 as the new target for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions. The airport plans to increase renewable energy use and phase out fossil fuels to meet this ambitious goal.
Leeds Bradford Airport unveiled its Vision 2030 strategy, backed by £200 million in private investment. The plan aims to improve passenger experience, create jobs, and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2030 through sustainable infrastructure development.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
IFM Investors partnered with Ampol and GrainCorp to explore developing a domestic renewable fuels industry in Australia. The collaboration aims to produce SAF and renewable diesel using local agricultural feedstocks and existing infrastructure.
RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland is now using a blend of conventional fuel and SAF for its aircraft operations. This initiative aims to reduce carbon emissions by up to 70% and aligns with the UK’s defence sector decarbonisation efforts.
OXCCU unveiled its first CO2 and green hydrogen to jet fuel plant at Oxford Airport, demonstrating its single-step process for manufacturing SAF. The plant will produce 1kg of fuel daily starting September.
SAF startup Twelve secured $45 million in loans to help build its first fuels plant in Washington. The debt capital provides momentum for scaling up CO2-based SAF production to meet growing airline demands.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Volocopter conducted operational validation testing for its eVTOL aircraft in France, including a flight at Versailles. The company aims to secure certification for passenger flights during the Paris Olympics, with plans for a city-wide network.
A team in France is building a hydrogen-powered aircraft called Climate Impulse, aiming to be the first to fly around the world. The project, led by Bertrand Piccard, seeks to demonstrate hydrogen’s potential in decarbonising aviation.
Archer Aviation signed an MoU with Future Flight Global for 116 Midnight eVTOL aircraft worth $580 million. The deal includes an initial deposit and aims to collaborate on future operational deployment in multiple regions.
A German hydrogen-powered plane, HY4, completed its first piloted flight in Slovenia. The four-seater aircraft, operated by H2Fly, could potentially fly 1,500 kilometres and marks progress in developing low-carbon aviation technology.
Nordic transport ministers signed a declaration to boost cooperation in developing commercial electric flights. The initiative aims to reduce emissions, enhance regional accessibility, and establish fossil-free air routes by 2030, building on previous commitments.
The University of Nottingham launched a £5.3 million research program to develop a cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system. Part of the broader H2FlyGHT project, it aims to create a 2-megawatt prototype engine for sustainable aircraft.
Archer Aviation secured $400 million from Stellantis to fund eVTOL manufacturing costs. The investment supports production goals of 650 aircraft annually as Archer nears factory launch and certification, with plans for a Southern California network by 2026.