#Sustainability20: AutoFlight Performs World’s First Inter-City Electric Air Taxi Demonstration Flight & More
Weekly Roundup - 01/03/24
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
The Euromonitor Sustainability Index 2023 shows that 80% of travellers are willing to pay 10% more for sustainable travel. Meanwhile, SITA's Passenger Insight 2023 highlights growing interest in technology-driven sustainability efforts among passengers.
A global study of senior executives from leading investment firms reveals increasing optimism about Urban Air Mobility (UAM), with 40% believing commercial routes will start by 2026. Almost all (96%) agree that demand for efficient transportation and environmental concerns will drive investment.
AirAsia's chief sustainability officer questions the effectiveness of frequent flyer taxes in Asia, highlighting regional growth priorities. A global levy proposal aims to curb emissions, but feasibility and impact in Asia need assessment.
A European aviation industry coalition welcomes EU Net-Zero Industry Act's recognition of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as strategic. The Act aims to stimulate clean energy manufacturing, setting targets for SAF adoption by 2030.
CLIMATE WATCH: El Niño forecast to drive record heat from the Amazon to Alaska in 2024 - NYT
El Niño is expected to exacerbate global heating, leading to record-breaking temperatures in 2024. The natural phenomenon, in which heat is released from the western Pacific Ocean, is known to increase global surface temperatures and helped 2023 become the hottest year by a large margin. Coastal regions of India, the South China Sea, the Philippines, and the Caribbean may experience unprecedented heat until June.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
IATA has partnered with The Weather Company to expand Turbulence Aware, integrating real-time EDR data into aviation tools like Fusion™ and Pilotbrief®. This enables easier access to crucial turbulence observations for improved flight planning and safety amidst climate change impacts.
The airport authority invests $1 million in solar panel-equipped walkway roofs, transforming a parking lot into a renewable energy hub. Expected to offset 84% of energy usage, this move showcases sustainability and economic viability.
The New Terminal One project at JFK Airport is seeking an all-electric fleet of ground service equipment by 2026 to support its net-zero emissions strategy. The request for proposals aims to acquire, manage, and maintain vehicles for up to nine years.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The International Airlines Group (IAG) has taken a significant step toward its 2050 carbon neutrality goals with a major SAF deal with US e-SAF pioneer Twelve, securing one-third of its target amount.
Southwest Airlines has established Southwest Airlines Renewable Ventures to bolster its access to SAF and invests $30 million in LanzaJet Inc., a leading SAF technology provider.
Dubai City is partnering with ENOC, Marubeni Middle East and Africa Power Ltd., and N.V. Besix S.A. to produce SAF from mixed solid municipal waste and green hydrogen generated from sewage treatment.
Ryanair and OMV have extended their agreement for 500 tonnes of SAF, signed by Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary and OMV’s EVP Fuels & Feedstock executive Martijn A. van Koten in Vienna.
CEPSA and Bio-Oils are collaborating on a €1.2bn plant in Spain to produce 500,000 tonnes of SAF and renewable diesel annually from 2026, forming Europe's second-largest renewable fuel complex.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
AutoFlight conducted the world's first inter-city electric air taxi flight between Shenzhen and Zhuhai in China. Their autonomous Prosperity eVTOL flew the 50km route in 20 minutes, promising sustainable, affordable, and low-noise air travel.
Lyte Launches Private Version of LA-44 Hydrogen-Electric VTOL Aircraft - Aviation International News
Lyte Aviation unveiled a 19-seat version of its LA-44 hydrogen-electric VTOL aircraft, with South Korean start-up Ghenus Air preordering 10 aircraft, including three LA-44 X Prime models. Ghenus Air plans to use the aircraft for air taxi operations.
Archer Aviation, a leading eVTOL manufacturer, reported a net loss of $457.9m for FY2023. Despite this, it announced that its Midnight aircraft is in the final phase of its certification program. CEO Adam Goldstein expressed confidence in the certification process due to the use of certified aerospace suppliers.
Snowdonia Aerospace Centre in the UK has chosen Aerovolt to provide multiple charging systems for aircraft development. Aerovolt will install its smart charging system, enabling electric aircraft to recharge across the UK.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has chosen Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Exeter Airport Consortium, and ZeroAvia to lead its hydrogen sandbox initiative, aimed at testing regulations and encouraging the development of hydrogen aviation fuel.
Hybrid Air Vehicles has initiated the type certification process with the UK's Civil Aviation Authority for its Airlander 10 hybrid airship, aiming for the first approval for a large aircraft since 1979.
Beyond Aero has achieved a milestone with successful manned flights of a hydrogen-electric aircraft using a fuel cell in Southern France. The G1 Aviation ultralight aircraft underwent testing to validate the powertrain architecture and feasibility.
Universal Hydrogen tested its megawatt-class fuel cell powertrain with a proprietary liquid hydrogen module, running its iron bird ground test rig for over 100 minutes. This advancement aims to convert regional airliners to hydrogen propulsion.