#Sustainability20: British Airways to reduce emissions by 400,000 tonnes through new SAF deal & more
Weekly Roundup - 04/07/25
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
Turkey has mandated airlines and fuel suppliers to use SAF to cut aviation emissions by 5% by 2030, with penalties for non-compliance. Refiners like Tupras aim to boost SAF production.
Swissport has invested €1.5 billion in hybrid and electric ground support equipment, with 25% of its fleet now fully electric. It targets 55% electrification by 2032 to reduce supply chain emissions.
CLIMATE WATCH: Extreme heatwaves may cause global decline in dairy production, scientists warn - The Guardian
Heatwaves reduce dairy cows’ milk production by 10%, with prolonged effects lasting up to 10 days. By 2050, global milk yields could drop 4%, threatening 150 million reliant households, especially in South Asia.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
UC researchers have created a tool to help airlines balance climate trade-offs, such as reducing contrails versus fuel use. It quantifies warming impacts, aiding smarter aviation decisions for long-term emission cuts.
Natilus has unveiled the interior of its HORIZON blended-wing aircraft, offering 40% more cabin space. Features include conference pods, family seating, and mood lighting, competing with Boeing and Airbus narrowbody jets.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
EcoCeres will supply British Airways with SAF from waste biomass, cutting 400,000 tonnes of CO2. The deal supports IAG’s goal of 10% SAF use by 2030 and net zero by 2050.
DG Fuels plans a multi-billion-dollar SAF plant in Nebraska using corn stover, aiming to meet airline decarbonisation demands. Farmers have committed 30% of required feedstock, with full operations pending permits.
France has agreed to boost SAF production to meet 2030 targets, backed by firms like TotalEnergies. The plan aligns with EU mandates and includes €100 million funding for synthetic fuel projects.
Bangkok Airways has begun using 1% SAF on international flights, reducing CO2 by 128kg per flight. It aims to align with Thailand’s 1% SAF mandate starting in 2026.
Dimensional Energy has secured $7 million from Boeing to convert CO2 into SAF, targeting 40 million gallons annually. The project supports Canada’s clean energy goals alongside a wood-waste biocrude initiative.
GreenSinnergy and Axens will collaborate on SAF projects in Argentina and Latin America, focusing on CO2 capture and synthetic kerosene. The partnership prioritises the Eco-Refinerías del Sur project in Chubut.
Gevo has bought North Dakota’s Red Trail Energy plant to produce SAF from ethanol, leveraging its carbon capture tech. The project aims to meet aviation’s low-carbon fuel demand with local feedstock.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Archer Aviation completed its Midnight eVTOL test flight in Abu Dhabi, a step toward UAE commercial operations. The firm has $2 billion liquidity and plans further regional trials for certification.
Eve Air Mobility will supply 50 eVTOLs to Costa Rica’s Aeros Electric Airlines for tourist routes. Partner Bluenest will develop vertiports, targeting congestion relief and sustainable travel in high-demand areas.
Skyfly’s Axe eVTOL made Europe’s first airfield-to-airfield electric flight in the UK. The aircraft, with swappable batteries, will next appear at EAA AirVenture in the US ahead of 2026 deliveries.
H55 has sold out two years’ production of its B23 Energic electric trainer after US demo flights. The $5-per-hour operating cost and low maintenance have attracted flight schools.
EHang’s pilotless eVTOL completed a test flight in Abu Dhabi, showcasing urban air mobility potential. The firm plans local assembly, supported by UAE regulators and investors, to advance autonomous transport.
Pratt & Whitney Canada and ATR are developing a hybrid-electric version of the PW127XT engine for the ATR Evo, targeting 20% fuel savings and entry into service by 2035.
Aura Aero will build electric and hybrid aircraft in Florida, backed by $200 million from Space Florida. The site will produce the INTEGRAL trainer and 19-seat ERA, with 650 orders already placed.
AIR has opened a 32,000 sq ft eVTOL production facility in Israel, enabling scaled output for its cargo and LSA-certified models. A larger US plant is planned to meet growing demand.
XTI Aerospace and MagLev Aero are collaborating on magnetic levitation propulsion for hybrid-electric aircraft, aiming to enhance speed, range, and efficiency. The deal includes a potential 100-unit order pending technical success.