#Sustainability20: IATA launches SAF Registry to facilitate global sustainable aviation fuel market & more
Weekly Roundup - 04/04/25
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
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Registry to track transactions and environmental benefits, aiming to boost supply and meet decarbonisation targets despite current low availability.
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has published 2024 reference prices for sustainable aviation fuels under ReFuelEU, with some costs rising. The EU mandates increasing SAF blends, starting at 2% this year.
The UK government has pledged over £20m to integrate drones and flying taxis into aviation, aiming to improve public services and cut emissions while streamlining regulations for commercial use.
Luton Airport’s expansion has been approved, allowing capacity to nearly double despite environmental concerns. The Labour government cited economic benefits, including thousands of jobs, while the airport pledged binding emissions and noise targets.
The Trump administration has urged oil and biofuels producers to negotiate a deal on future biofuel blending mandates to avoid political clashes, with discussions on volumes and refinery exemptions ongoing.
CLIMATE WATCH: How tariffs could upend the transition to cleaner energy - The New York Times
Donald Trump’s tariffs on imported clean-energy components threaten to raise costs for renewables, though fossil fuels are also affected. The move could reshape global supply chains, benefiting countries like India.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Lufthansa Cargo has reduced emissions by upgrading to fuel-efficient Boeing 777F freighters, expanding SAF use, and optimising operations. The airline aims for further decarbonisation with new aircraft and smarter fuel management.
RenEnergy has identified over 200,000 parking spaces at UK airports suitable for solar canopies, potentially generating 188.4GWh annually. Heathrow’s car parks offer the highest potential for green energy production.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Twelve’s SAF plant in Moses Lake, backed by $85m new funding, is set to open this year. The facility will produce carbon-captured fuel, supported by Amazon and airlines like Alaska.
The Asia Sustainable Aviation Fuel Association (ASAFA) has partnered with the World Bioenergy Association (WBA) to accelerate SAF adoption in Asia, focusing on policy, innovation, and regional collaboration for decarbonisation.
Gevo Inc. is progressing with its South Dakota SAF plant, awaiting Summit Carbon Solutions’ CO2 pipeline decision. The company also plans SAF production in North Dakota and reported increased RNG revenue.
Luxaviation has joined Project SkyPower to promote electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF), supporting industry efforts to cut emissions by up to 90% and achieve net-zero aviation by 2050.
Colombia’s Ecopetrol plans to invest $500m-$700m in a SAF plant at Barrancabermeja refinery, targeting 6,000 barrels daily by 2030 as part of its energy transition strategy.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
EHang has secured the world’s first AOCs for commercial eVTOL flights in China, enabling urban air mobility services. The approvals follow type certification for its autonomous EH216-S aircraft.
Vertical adopts standardised chargers for VX4 eVTOL aircraft batteries - Aviation International News
Vertical Aerospace has adopted Beta Technologies’ CCS charging standard for its VX4 eVTOL, aligning with industry efforts to standardise infrastructure and support scalable electric aviation operations.
AMSL Aero has partnered with Archerfield Airport to explore hydrogen refuelling for its Vertiia eVTOL ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics, targeting commercial operations post-2028 certification.
Archer Aviation has signed a $30m deal with Ethiopian Airlines to deploy Midnight eVTOLs, marking its second Launch Edition customer and advancing urban air mobility in Africa.
Bosch Aviation Technology has converted a Rotax aircraft engine to run on hydrogen, demonstrating a climate-friendly propulsion solution with high reliability and reduced emissions.
Stralis Aircraft plans hydrogen-powered flight tests with a modified Bonanza A36 by 2025, followed by conversions of the Beech 1900D and a new 50-seat regional airliner.
Beta Technologies’ electric Alia aircraft completed a cross-country trip, visiting 82 airports to demonstrate operational flexibility and charging capabilities, supporting future electric aviation adoption.
ZeroAvia, FlightSafety International to train pilots on hydrogen-electric aircraft - FLYING Magazine
FlightSafety International and ZeroAvia have agreed to develop hydrogen-electric aircraft training programmes, including simulators, to prepare pilots and technicians for zero-emission aviation.