#Sustainability20: IATA says global airlines could miss sustainable fuel targets & more
Weekly round-up - 13/12/24
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 aviation industry is lagging behind its sustainable fuel targets, with production reaching only 1 million tonnes in 2024, significantly lower than projected, warns IATA's chief Willie Walsh.
A new aviation toolkit is helping assess climate change impacts, enabling airports to develop adaptation plans while the sector strives towards its net-zero CO2 emissions goals.
Natilus has unveiled the Horizon, a blended-wing body passenger aircraft competing with the A320neo and the 737 MAX, promising 50% fewer carbon emissions and enhanced travel experience.
BP has dramatically reduced its renewable energy investment, partnering with Jera in an offshore wind venture. The move reflects the CEO Murray Auchincloss's strategy favouring oil and gas.
The global airline revenues are projected to surpass the £1 trillion milestone in 2025, with 5.2 billion passengers expected. Airlines show improved profitability through enhanced satisfaction.
A UK consultancy has identified divergent decarbonisation strategies across European aviation, with funding limitations and technology access hindering net-zero progress despite strong adoption.
The Norwegian startup SiriNor has developed an innovative tip-driven electric engine architecture, potentially revolutionising zero-emission flight through an efficient propulsion system.
CLIMATE WATCH: Arctic Tundra Has Long Helped Cool Earth. Now, It’s Fueling Warming. - The New York Times
The Arctic tundra has become a carbon source as warming temperatures thaw permafrost and increase wildfires, reversing its millennia-old pattern of carbon storage.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
KLM has successfully deployed a Taxibot for its first passenger flight at Schiphol, towing the aircraft to the runway with engines off, marking progress in reducing emissions.
The Denver International Airport's Zero Waste Valet initiative has diverted 69.2 tonnes of waste in six months, achieving a 71% diversion rate.
The EcoPulse hybrid-electric aircraft has completed its flight tests, demonstrating unprecedented onboard power levels and providing crucial insights for aviation decarbonisation goals.
The Milan Malpensa Airport has launched a free Bike Corner, offering cyclists the tools to assemble bicycles post-flight, supporting eco-friendly tourism.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Phillips 66 has agreed to supply United Airlines with SAF, potentially delivering 8 million gallons through 2025, supported by Illinois's tax credits.
Darling Ingredients has delivered its first SAF to Naples Aviation through Avfuel, marking the eastern United States' first general sale location.
Drax has agreed to supply biomass pellets for Pathway Energy's SAF project, producing 30 million gallons annually of carbon-negative jet fuel.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
H3 Dynamics has launched the AEROCELL 400KW hydrogen fuel cell, offering doubled output and 50% weight reduction compared to existing systems.
Archer Aviation has strengthened its UAE presence, signing an agreement to establish the first commercial eVTOL air taxi operations in the Abu Dhabi region.
Eve Air Mobility has partnered with Signature Aviation to study the infrastructure requirements for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft operations.
Archer Aviation and Anduril Industries have formed a partnership to develop hybrid-electric aircraft for defence applications, securing £430 million in capital.
Russ Dunn has been appointed as the new Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance Chair, succeeding Johan Lundgren in 2025 to champion hydrogen technologies.
Joby Aviation has received flight school certification for air taxi pilot training, alongside safety management system approval, advancing towards 2025 certification.