#Sustainability20: Heart Aerospace unveils electric aircraft prototype & more
Weekly Roundup - 13/09/24
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
European Union countries are considering delaying EU-wide taxes on polluting aviation fuels for 20 years due to insufficient sustainable alternative fuel availability. The proposal aims to avoid ticket price increases and encourage a gradual switch to cleaner fuels.
British Airways has agreed to finance enhanced weathering, a carbon removal process that sprinkles crushed rocks on the ground to capture CO2, through British project developer UNDO. This small-scale initiative forms part of the airline's roadmap to reach its climate goals.
Boeing's chief engineer of sustainability warns that SAF production is not growing quickly enough to meet US needs. He suggests other transport sectors must accelerate the transition to electric vehicles to support aviation's decarbonisation efforts.
CLIMATE WATCH: ‘Flight shame is dead’: concern grows over climate impact of tourism boom - The Guardian
The tourism sector is a major contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, with air travel being the largest culprit. As more people gain the means to travel frequently, the industry struggles to reduce its environmental impact while keeping pace with growing demand.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
US Customs and Border Protection is participating in a new programme enabling airlines to recycle single-use aluminium, paper, and plastic products from international flights arriving in the United States. This initiative aligns with CBP's Green Trade Strategy, promoting sustainable trade practices.
Aurrigo International has opened a facility at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport to deploy its Auto-DollyTug, an electric, autonomous vehicle combining baggage tractor and unit load device-carrying capabilities. The technology aims to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Infinium and Brookfield Asset Management have announced a strategic funding partnership to accelerate Infinium's e-fuels platform, with Brookfield investing over $200 million in Project Roadrunner in West Texas and up to $850 million for global e-fuels projects.
Minnesota will soon host the US’ third SAF blending facility, which will provide SAF supply to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport – Delta’s second-largest hub where it uses 250 million gallons of fuel annually.
Backed by the US Department of Energy, SAFFiRE Renewables Fuel has broken ground on a pilot plant in Kansas capable of processing corn stover into cellulosic ethanol that can be upgraded into SAF with a carbon footprint at least 83% lower than conventional jet fuel.
Malaysian state-run refiner Petronas is set to produce SAF by 2028. The government is not currently mandating SAF use due to its high cost but hopes prices will decrease as production increases.
Aviation fuel supplier ATF has launched the Channel Islands' first SAF Certificate Book and Claim scheme. This initiative allows aviation users to claim the use of SAF for their operations, even if the fuel is not physically available at their departure location.
The US Departments of Energy, Agriculture, and Transportation have released a SAF Grand Challenge Metrics Dashboard Fact Sheet. It summarises actions and progress towards producing 3 billion gallons of SAF in the US by 2030.
Indonesia plans to develop coconut processing waste into SAF, supporting green energy initiatives. As the world's second-largest coconut producer, the country aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy in aviation through this initiative.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Swedish startup Heart Aerospace has unveiled its first full-scale electric aircraft demonstrator, the Heart X1. The 32-metre wingspan aircraft precedes the company's ES-30 project, a 30-seat hybrid-electric aircraft aimed at transforming regional air travel by 2030.
The Scottish National Investment Bank has joined a Series C financing round in ZeroAvia, extending the total value to $150 million. This marks the bank's first investment in hydrogen-based technology and the sustainable aviation sector.
Beyond Aero, a startup designing a fuel cell-powered business jet, has revealed plans for larger aircraft using similar propulsion systems. The company aims to scale up its technology for regional and commercial aircraft in the coming decades.
Joby Aviation has submitted an application to UAE aviation authorities to become certified as an air taxi operator. The company plans to establish a regular air mobility service in Dubai from 2026, linking key transportation nodes.
Gimpo International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, will host a new Urban Air Mobility hub by 2030. The $2.2 billion project will feature a UAM take-off and landing site and a range of business, educational and residential facilities.
BETA Technologies is partnering with Mississippi universities to explore electric aircraft for medical transport and emergency response. They're also installing chargers across the eastern US, including at Jackson airport, which will charge cars until planes are ready.
Horizon Aircraft is advancing its hybrid-powered eVTOL, with its prototype surpassing expectations in flight tests and nearing full transition speed. The Cavorite X7 promises superior range, speed, and efficiency for regional air travel, medical, and military use.
Vertical Aerospace has completed the first phase of piloted flight testing with its full-scale VX4 eVTOL aircraft prototype. The company conducted 20 flights, covering 70 test points, and is now preparing for the second phase of thrust-borne flight testing.
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