#Sustainability20: Sirius Reveals Latest Hydrogen Jet Models & More
#Sustainability20: Sirius Reveals Latest Hydrogen Jet Models & More
Weekly Roundup - 21/06/24
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 European Commission plans to exempt long-haul flights from new legislation monitoring non-CO2 emissions, causing controversy. Airlines would track these emissions starting January 2025 in the EU, with exemptions for international routes.
Just Stop Oil targeted private jets at Stansted Airport, spraying orange paint on at least two aircraft to protest fossil fuel exploration and demand a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.
CLIMATE WATCH: Climate engineering off US coast could increase heatwaves in Europe, study finds - The Guardian
A study shows that geoengineering techniques like marine cloud brightening in California could inadvertently intensify heatwaves in Europe, highlighting the need for regulations on regional climate interventions.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Belgium’s second-largest solar park is being constructed at Ostend-Bruges Airport, covering 303,864m2 and saving approximately 9,600 tons of CO2 annually when completed in 2026.
Hawaiian Airlines donates expired life vests to be repurposed into waterproof surf bags, tested to IPX7 standards, continuing their track record of working with local companies on sustainability initiatives.
Alterkraft developed an innovative honeycomb cardboard material that can reduce the weight of onboard items like trolleys by up to 50%, meeting airline safety requirements and flame resistance standards.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Alder Renewables established a lab facility in Boulder, Colorado, to accelerate the commercialisation of its Alder Renewable Crude and Alder Pyrolytic Sugars platform for producing SAF.
SkyClean US Energy Inc. and Pittsburgh International Airport are planning to build a SAF production facility on-site, capable of producing up to 75 million gallons annually.
Twelve launched its ‘Fuel for the Long Haul™’ campaign, introducing E-Jet® SAF made from CO2, water, and renewable energy, resulting in up to 90% lower lifecycle emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
Jet2 invested in the Fulcrum NorthPoint SAF production plant in northern England, expected to start production in 2027, as airlines secure supplies ahead of 2030 targets.
OXCCU is developing a demonstration plant in Humber, UK, to produce SAF using a patented single-step process combining carbon dioxide and green hydrogen, expected to produce 200 litres daily by 2026.
Brazilian airline Gol and fuel distributor Vibra completed Latin America’s first “book-and-claim” deal to offset carbon emissions through SAF, demonstrating how the system could work in Brazil.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Sirius Aviation unveiled two new models of its hydrogen-powered Sirius Jet: the CEO Jet and ADVENTURE Jet, designed for the business aviation market with sustainable hydrogen-electric engines.
Boom Technology completed construction of its Overture Superfactory in Greensboro, North Carolina, capable of building 33 supersonic Overture aircraft annually once commercial production begins.
Oscar Viñals, a modern-day Leonardo Da Vinci, designs futuristic aircraft concepts using computer software. His latest creation, Sky OV, is a wingless, supersonic hydrogen jet capable of carrying 300 passengers from London to New York in under five hours.
Embraer is expanding its Energia concept studies to include 50-seater aircraft with hybrid-electric, pure hydrogen, and dual-fuel propulsion options, based on airline feedback for real-world operations.
Archer Aviation and Signature Aviation signed an MOU to electrify Signature’s network of over 200 airport terminals, providing Archer access to takeoff and landing sites in major US metropolitan areas.
Houston Airports and Wisk Aero partnered to explore vertiport infrastructure for self-flying taxis at Bush, Hobby, and Ellington airports, advancing Wisk’s commitment to bringing advanced air mobility to the Greater Houston Region.
A two-month trial of zero-emissions air travel is launching in Europe this summer, offering electric flights between airports in Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany for as low as €120.
NASA’s Electric Aircraft Testbed facility conducted altitude tests on a battery-powered engine, simulating conditions at 27,500 feet to evaluate the performance of electrified aircraft propulsion systems.
Diamond Aircraft and airBaltic signed a letter of intent for the delivery of three all-electric eD40s and two DA42-VIs to airBaltic’s pilot training academy by 2030, demonstrating commitment to sustainable flight training.