#Sustainability20: First Permanent Vertiport In The UK Receives Planning Permission & More
#Sustainability20: First Permanent Vertiport In The UK Receives Planning Permission & More
Weekly Roundup - 23/08/24
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
The FAA is allocating $291 million for projects aimed at achieving net-zero aviation emissions by 2050, including SAF production and low-emission technologies, as part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
Global flights produced 720 million tonnes of CO2 in 2021. The electric aircraft market is projected to grow from $10.1 billion in 2023 to $37.2 billion by 2030, driven by demand for environmentally friendly aircraft.
European airlines lead in SAF adoption due to EU mandates. DHL Group tops SAF usage at 3%, whilst US airlines lag behind. Government requirements prove more effective than voluntary approaches.
Delta's Sustainable Skies Challenge partnered with Junior Achievement Europe to inspire innovative aviation solutions from young minds. The competition culminated at the GEN-E 2024 festival, showcasing eco-friendly ideas and fostering sustainable business practices.
No ASX 200 companies have backtracked on sustainability commitments this earnings season. However, some observers believe it’s only a matter of time before firms in hard-to-abate sectors admit struggling to meet emissions reduction targets.
CLIMATE WATCH: German climate activists stop air traffic after breaking into four airport sites - The Guardian
Climate activists from Letzte Generation briefly halted air traffic at German airports by breaching security and gluing themselves to runways. The interior minister condemned the protests, calling for prison sentences for those involved.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Egret Aviation’s new waste solution for onboard galley carts allows separation of trash, recyclables, and fluids. Currently used by European and Eastern Airlines, the system will soon be available in the United States.
Airlines are using AeroSHARK technology to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Austrian Airlines’ investment in this sharkskin-mimicking film is expected to save 2,650 tonnes of fuel and 8,300 tonnes of CO2 over four years.
APiJET received a $4.5 million grant from the FAA for its Digital Winglets tool, which optimises airline fuel use during cruising. The software incorporates real-time data to suggest flight plan changes, reducing fuel consumption.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The US Department of Agriculture is advocating for relaxed tax credit requirements for crops used in renewable fuel production. The aim is to provide farmers with more flexibility and ensure diverse crop participation in SAF subsidies.
BP’s Cherry Point Refinery received nearly $27 million to produce SAF in Whatcom County, Washington. The project aims to create 96 new jobs and produce 10 million gallons of SAF annually.
United Airlines and JetBlue have secured major SAF supplies for their hubs. Airbus has invested in SAF producer LanzaJet, whilst UK start-up Firefly Green Fuels partners with Synagro Technologies for North American production.
Wagner Sustainable Fuels is developing a SAF plant in Queensland, Australia, utilising LanzaTech and LanzaJet technologies. The project, backed by Boeing, aims to meet Australia’s growing demand for jet fuel.
Irish company Trifol Resources has developed a process to transform old plastic into SAF and wax. Two international oil companies have agreed to purchase all SAF produced at their Littleton plant.
Japan, Australia, and nine Southeast Asian countries have agreed to establish an Asian supply chain for sustainable fuels production and distribution. The initiative focuses on biofuels and renewable fuels to meet net-zero emission targets.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Skyports Infrastructure has unveiled designs for the UK’s first permanent vertiport testbed for electric air taxis. The project, partnering with Bicester Motion and Vertical Aerospace, has received planning permission and will begin construction this autumn.
German aircraft manufacturer Lilium has completed the first phase of integration testing on its Lilium Jet electrical power system. The testing programme aims to collect data for the aircraft’s type-certification process with EASA.
The US Air Force has successfully completed test flights with BETA Technologies’ ALIA all-electric fixed-wing aircraft. The plane, capable of carrying five people or 500 pounds of cargo, was evaluated for various real-world scenarios.
American Airlines has partnered with ZeroAvia to develop hydrogen-powered regional jets. ZeroAvia is working to retrofit existing aircraft with zero-emissions, hydrogen-electric powertrains, targeting certification for up to 20-seat aircraft.
Sirius Aviation AG and Marathon Group Australia have partnered to develop zero-emission airports and integrate hydrogen technologies. The collaboration will focus on deploying the Sirius Jet, a hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft.
UK start-up Sora Aviation is preparing a Series A funding round for its 30-seat eVTOL aircraft project. The battery-electric, six-rotor design aims to provide airport shuttle services, with flight testing planned for 2028 and entry into service by 2031.