#Sustainability20: Glasgow Airport Hydrogen Hub To Support Zero-Emission Flight By 2027 & More
#Sustainability20: Glasgow Airport Hydrogen Hub To Support Zero-Emission Flight By 2027 & More
Weekly Roundup - 23/02/24
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
A new US rule requires stricter fuel efficiency for large planes built after 2028, aiming to cut pollution through engine and design improvements. This affects airplanes like Boeing's 777X and Airbus' A330neo, but not currently flying models.
The Singapore Airshow emphasised sustainability, but exposed industry divides on achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. While sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is crucial, its uptake remains slow due to cost and feedstock issues. Calls for regulatory intervention grow amidst industry scepticism.
Boeing has criticised major oil companies for insufficient production of sustainable jet fuel, stressing its importance in reducing carbon emissions. The aviation industry urges a significant increase in SAF production to achieve carbon neutrality goals by 2050.
Airlines have been set a 2050 deadline to reach net zero. Industry leaders tell CNN's Clare Sebastian the target can be hit.
CLIMATE WATCH: Disasters Forced 2.5 Million Americans From Their Homes Last Year - The New York Times
In 2023, weather-related disasters in the United States displaced 2.5 million people, revealing challenges such as food shortages and fraud attempts. This highlights the need for comprehensive disaster response amid escalating climate change impacts.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Fraport aims to eliminate diesel units supplying electricity to parked aircraft at Frankfurt Airport by 2040. They'll use battery-powered ground power units at positions where stationary connections aren't feasible.
Singapore's sustainable air hub blueprint, led by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), aims to decarbonise the aviation sector while supporting growth. Initiatives include SAF, reducing energy consumption at Changi Airport through solar deployment, cleaner airside vehicle fleets, and energy-efficient terminal buildings. The goal is to achieve net-zero aviation emissions by 2050.
Menzies Aviation installed nearly 900 solar panels on its cargo facility at Prague’s airport to reduce emissions by 25%. The solar farm aims to produce 350-megawatt hours annually, benefiting warehouse operations and charging electric ground support equipment.
The Charlottetown Airport Authority (CAA) introduces its inaugural Sustainability Plan, focusing on mitigating environmental impact, reducing carbon emissions, fostering community relations, promoting diversity and inclusion, and enhancing risk and crisis management. Key initiatives include emission reduction targets, community support, diversity training, and risk assessment.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Singapore will mandate SAF use on departing flights from 2026. Targets include reducing domestic aviation emissions by 20% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. A SAF levy aims to ensure price certainty for passengers.
TotalEnergies and Airbus are partnering to advance SAF development, aiming for net carbon neutrality in aviation by 2050. Challenges include low supply and high prices. Airbus targets 15% SAF use by 2024 and 30% by 2030.
Raizen SA, a major ethanol producer in Brazil, is considering constructing a sustainable jet fuel plant in Brazil due to economic advantages. The project is in the early stages, with discussions ongoing to define the scale.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Glasgow Airport plans to establish a hydrogen hub by 2027, supported by a consortium led by the airport and Ikigai Group. Funded by the Scottish government, the project aims to develop renewable hydrogen technologies.
Ampaire, a pioneer in hybrid-electric flight, has advanced efficiency by testing SAF from Dimensional Energy on its Eco Caravan.
Wisk aims for the first flight of its Generation 6 eVTOL by year-end, targeting certification by the end of the decade.
Joby Aviation has secured a deal with Dubai’s RTA to launch air taxi services by early 2026, with initial operations targeted for 2025. Skyports will build and operate vertiports across Dubai.
FAA Invests $970 Million in 114 US Airports for Modernization and Sustainability - BNN Breaking News
The FAA has announced a $970 million investment in 114 airports nationwide, aligning with President Biden's agenda. This funding aims to modernise infrastructure, enhance sustainability, and create jobs, promising a transformative impact on American air travel.
Eve Air Mobility, Embraer's air taxi subsidiary, targets Southeast Asia for urban air mobility operations. Partnering with Yugo Global Industries, they'll study infrastructure needs and regulations for eVTOL flights in the region.
AMSL Aero focuses on intra-city operations for its Vertiia aircraft, prioritising range and endurance over urban air taxi services. The emphasis reflects Australia's vastness, targeting regional and emergency medical services initially.
Electra.aero and Surf Air Mobility Will Operate and Lease Hybrid-Electric Aircraft - FLYING Magazine
Surf Air Mobility has partnered with Electra.aero to bring the nine-seat hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft to market. Surf Air has secured delivery positions for 90 Electra aircraft, aiming to expand regional air travel.
Vertical Aerospace, a British flying taxi innovator, has secured an additional £8m government grant, totalling £37m, to develop propellers for its eVTOL, despite recent setbacks.