#Sustainability20: Europe’s first domestic flight route using SAF opens & more
Weekly Round-up - 06/03/26
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
Sustainable aviation fuel prices have surged to record highs as the Middle East conflict tightens global jet fuel markets, with California reaching an all-time peak.
A Dutch study has found that capital grants and market-based incentives currently offer the most effective means of closing the cost gap for advanced sustainable aviation fuels.
EcoCeres has urged European policymakers to keep the SAF market open and competitive, warning that trade defence measures could undermine climate goals and tighten supply.
ISCC has partnered with OMV and Airbus to strengthen credibility in book-and-claim systems and explore new facilitator roles to support global SAF adoption.
Singapore Airlines has emerged as a central force in Asia’s decarbonisation race, catalysing alliances on SAF and fleet upgrades to meet net-zero targets.
Air France-KLM has missed its 2025 sustainability-linked bond target due to fleet delays and geopolitical issues, triggering a €7.5 million cost impact.
CLIMATE WATCH: Humanity heating planet faster than ever before, study finds - The Guardian
Global heating has accelerated to about 0.35°C per decade over the past ten years, nearly double the previous rate, a new study has found.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Aurrigo International has secured a ground handling license at East Midlands Airport to support the deployment of its autonomous baggage and cargo technologies.
Korean Air has cut its aircraft carbon emissions by over 420,000 tonnes through fleet modernisation and AI-powered fuel management, despite increased flight operations.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Europe's first SAF-powered domestic route launched on 4 March, with Norwegian flying Aalborg–Copenhagen on a 40% SAF blend refined from used cooking oil, cutting ~3,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually under Denmark's national green aviation agreement.
Syzygy Plasmonics has signed an MOU with Geo to develop commercial-scale SAF projects in Brazil, using biogas derived from sugarcane waste.
Calumet’s MaxSAF expansion at Montana Renewables remains on track for Q2 2026, boosting SAF capacity to 120-150 million gallons per year.
Siemens has partnered with CAPHENIA to scale SAF production, providing automation and digitalisation for plasma technology that converts bio-methane into synthesis gas.
Eco Innovation Group has executed definitive agreements to acquire Kepler GTL, building a platform to convert stranded gas into sustainable aviation fuel.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Archer Aviation has signed an agreement with Starlink to integrate high-speed satellite internet into its Midnight air taxis, supporting connectivity and future autonomy.
Skyports Infrastructure and Korean Air have signed an MOU to develop a joint technology platform managing vertiport automation and low-altitude air traffic for eVTOLs.
AURA AERO has secured the first firm order for its 19-seater hybrid-electric ERA aircraft from French private airline Pan Européenne Air Service.
ZeroAvia has signed a deal to support the Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute in developing and testing liquid hydrogen storage systems for aircraft.
Exeter Airport is conducting a second hydrogen ground power trial in winter conditions, building on last year’s successful multi-equipment demonstration.
FlyOnE has introduced eVTOL air taxi operations on the Perth–Rottnest Island corridor, following successful proof-of-concept electric flights and solar-powered charging.
RTX’s hybrid-electric demonstrator has moved a step closer to flight, aiming to show 30% fuel efficiency improvements through its Pratt & Whitney, Collins and H55 collaboration.