#Sustainability20: JetBlue marks first regular supply of SAF for commercial air travel at JFK & more
Weekly Roundup - 14/03/25
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
IAG has launched IAGi Ventures, a €200m corporate venture capital arm, to invest in startups focused on customer service, operational efficiency, and sustainability, targeting early-stage companies globally.
A 2025 report highlights risks to aviation decarbonisation, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) availability, cost, and geopolitical tensions, as the sector aims for net-zero emissions by 2050.
IATA reported a 10% rise in global air travel demand in January 2025, with record-high load factors, driven by strong performance in the Asia-Pacific region despite supply chain challenges.
CLIMATE WATCH: ‘Global weirding’: climate whiplash hitting world’s biggest cities, study reveals - The Guardian
Climate whiplash, marked by extreme swings between drought and floods, is affecting major cities worldwide, with 95% of the 100 most populous cities experiencing wetter or drier trends.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Delta Air Lines has introduced North America’s first electric catering truck at Boston Logan Airport, part of its efforts to reduce emissions and achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Fiji Airports has installed solar-powered systems at Nadi International Airport and four domestic airports, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and operational costs while supporting clean energy transition.
Archer Aviation and Palantir Technologies have partnered to develop AI-driven aviation solutions, enhancing manufacturing, air traffic control, and route planning for safer, more efficient air travel.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
JetBlue has launched the first regular SAF supply for commercial flights at JFK Airport, partnering with World Fuel Services and Valero. The initiative, supported by corporate partners, aims to reduce emissions and advance sustainable aviation in the Northeast.
The UK government has launched a consultation on a revenue certainty mechanism for SAF producers, funded by a levy on fuel suppliers, to boost domestic SAF production and meet decarbonisation goals.
SK Energy has secured a contract to supply 20,000 tons of SAF to Cathay Pacific, marking its first major SAF deal in the Asia-Pacific region and strengthening its market position.
HIF Global has received the first US approval for an e-Fuels pathway under California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard, supporting the production of synthetic fuels like e-SAF and e-Diesel.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
ZeroAvia’s SuperStack Flex fuel cell system has achieved over 1.0kW/kg specific power, with significant weight and part reductions, advancing hydrogen-electric propulsion for aviation and other sectors.
BETA Technologies completed a series of flights across Utah, showcasing its ALIA aircraft’s potential to reduce travel times and improve connectivity in rural and urban areas.
BluJ Aero, ANERT, BPCL, and CIAL have signed an MoU to establish the world’s first hydrogen-based aviation ecosystem in Kerala, India, aiming for zero-emission flights and green aviation leadership.
Korean operator Moviation has pre-ordered 20 S-1 eVTOL aircraft from UK’s Sora Aviation, targeting high-demand routes in South Korea, with certification expected by 2031.
Vertical Aerospace is assembling its third VX4 eVTOL prototype, with flight testing set to expand this year as the company aims for type certification by 2028.
REGENT has tested the world’s first full-scale electric seaglider, combining aircraft speed with boat convenience, with over $9bn in pre-orders from global customers.
AVIC is testing two new eVTOL aircraft, the AR-E300 and AR-E3000, with plans for certification within two to three years, advancing China’s urban air mobility capabilities.
EHang’s EH216-S eVTOL completed its first flight in Mexico, marking its 19th country of operation, with plans to expand urban air mobility in the region.
China’s Wanfeng Auto Wheel has agreed to acquire insolvent German eVTOL manufacturer Volocopter for €10m, aiming to integrate its technology into its aviation portfolio.
A UK report warns that gaps in cryogenic hydrogen testing could hinder liquid hydrogen aviation development, calling for expanded capabilities to support zero-emission flight ambitions.
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