#Sustainability20: Aviation industry plans for growth 'irreconcilable' with Europe's climate goals & more
Weekly Roundup - 17/01/25
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
European aviation plans to double passenger traffic by 2050, whilst its carbon budget may be depleted by 2026. Growth projections suggest aircraft will burn 59% more fuel, despite sustainable fuel requirements and efficiency improvements.
Swiss researchers studied Direct Air Capture technology's potential for making aviation climate-neutral. They compared carbon capture storage versus utilisation methods, finding utilisation more cost-effective for achieving climate neutrality targets.
NASA and German researchers discovered sustainable jet fuels produce significantly fewer ice crystal contrails at cruising altitude. These alternative fuels release fewer soot particles, resulting in larger but less problematic ice crystals.
Delta Air Lines celebrated its centenary by announcing future plans involving electric taxis, sustainable fuels, and innovative flight patterns. The airline emphasised sustainability's crucial role in its next hundred years of operations.
The air cargo industry faces growing demand whilst pursuing sustainability initiatives. Innovations include upcycling uniforms, adopting friction-reducing technology, and deploying electric ground vehicles across operations.
CLIMATE WATCH: Wildfires drive record leap in global level of climate-heating CO2 - The Guardian
CO2 levels jumped dramatically in 2024, partly due to global wildfires adding to fossil fuel emissions. The Mauna Loa observatory recorded a 3.6ppm increase, reaching 427ppm, whilst temperatures broke records.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Spanish airport operator Aena aims to achieve carbon-neutral terminals by 2026, investing €750 million in infrastructure improvements. The company acknowledges airlines face greater decarbonisation challenges requiring more time.
Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport launched a €6 billion investment plan through 2029, targeting emission-free operations by 2030. The airport saw passenger numbers rise 9% in 2024, using growth to accelerate sustainability efforts.
JFK Airport selected TCR to implement the world's first centralised electric ground support equipment fleet. The initiative supports the airport's sustainability strategy and aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The Biden administration released a progress report on SAF development, showing domestic production reached 30 million gallons in 2024. Current projects could exceed three billion gallons annually by 2030.
PTT Global Chemical commenced Thailand's first SAF production, planning six million litres annually initially. The company aims to expand to 24 million litres yearly, supporting Thailand's aviation industry.
The US government announced £6 million funding for three biofuel development projects. The initiative supports research improving performance and reducing costs whilst meeting environmental standards and expanding renewable fuel production.
Heathrow Airport increased its SAF incentive to £86 million, aiming for 3% usage by 2025. The scheme helps airlines bridge the price gap between conventional and sustainable fuels.
The biofuel industry criticised the Biden administration for incomplete tax credit provisions. Environmental groups challenged airlines' promotion of crop-based SAFs, warning of potential greenwashing claims.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
China's first ton-level liquid hydrogen unmanned eVTOL aircraft completes test flight - Global Times
China successfully tested its first liquid hydrogen-powered electric vertical takeoff aircraft. The vehicle achieves 800-1,000 kilometres range after refuelling, demonstrating advantages over traditional lithium batteries.
Engineers completed groundbreaking tests of a liquid hydrogen-fuelled aircraft engine for light aviation. The BeautHyFuel project demonstrated end-to-end propulsion system integration using cryogenic storage.
Connecticut's Learn2FlyCT became America's first flight school using an all-electric aircraft. The FAA-approved plane offers one-hour flying time with equivalent charging duration, whilst operating more quietly.
The FAA updated vertiport facility guidelines, harmonising them with heliport standards. The revision reflects industry feedback and incorporates data from operational test campaigns with manufacturers.
Vertical Aerospace achieved piloted thrustborne flight manoeuvres with its VX4 aircraft. The milestone makes it the second company globally to accomplish this feat using full-scale vectored thrust technology.
German airline Evia Aero ordered fifteen Britten-Norman Islanders for hydrogen conversion. The nine-passenger aircraft will serve regional routes across northern Europe from 2027, offering alternatives to car travel.
Swedavia joined industry partners to develop hydrogen infrastructure at Swedish and Norwegian airports. The collaboration studies production, transport, storage and refuelling for commercial hydrogen-powered flights from 2035.