#Sustainability20: Thales, Amelia and Breakthrough Energy carry out largest-ever contrail avoidance trial & more
Weekly Roundup - 14/02/25
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
IATA and 123Carbon are collaborating to ensure interoperability between their SAF registries, enhancing transparency and preventing double-counting. The partnership aims to streamline SAF certificate management and support aviation’s decarbonisation goals.
Despite a 10% rise in air travel in 2024, SAF accounted for only 0.3% of global jet fuel production. IATA’s Willie Walsh called for government incentives to boost SAF adoption, as airlines face challenges meeting 2030 targets.
European aviation leaders outlined seven measures to boost SAF production, including risk-sharing mechanisms and feedstock access. The report highlights the need for EU action to compete with global SAF incentives like the US Inflation Reduction Act.
ICAO launched the Finvest Hub to connect aviation sustainability projects with global investors. The platform aims to scale SAF production and support decarbonisation initiatives, particularly in developing countries, to achieve net-zero aviation by 2050.
CLIMATE WATCH: Richest nations ‘exporting extinction’ with demand for beef, palm oil and timber - The Guardian
A study found wealthy nations are responsible for 13% of global forest loss due to imported goods like beef and palm oil. The research highlights the need for sustainable production to protect biodiversity hotspots in tropical regions.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
LODD and Skyports unveiled vertiport designs for Abu Dhabi, aiming to integrate eVTOL aircraft into the city’s transport network. The project will enhance cargo movement and logistical efficiency across key locations.
Thales, Amelia and Breakthrough carry out largest-ever live contrail avoidance trial – GreenAir News
Thales and Amelia completed a contrail avoidance trial, reducing flight climate impact by up to 40%. The initiative, which saved 20 tonnes of CO2 equivalent, will expand in 2025 as EU regulations on non-CO2 emissions take effect.
SkiesFifty and Catalsys partnered to decarbonise aviation ground operations using green ammonia-fuelled generators. The joint venture aims to provide zero-carbon electricity and explore alternative propulsion systems for sustainable aviation.
Aurrigo developed software enabling autonomous vehicles to operate in heavy rain and snow. The innovation allows its Auto-DollyTug to move airport baggage safely in extreme weather, overcoming lidar detection challenges.
ANAC selected UrbanV and Pax Aeroportos to implement a vertiport regulatory sandbox in Brazil. The initiative will test eVTOL integration and vertiport infrastructure, supporting advanced air mobility development in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
The Trump administration reviewed clean energy loans but approved funding for Montana Renewables’ SAF refinery. The $1.44 billion loan supports the production of 315 million gallons of SAF annually.
Honeywell and AM Green signed an MoU to explore SAF production in India using ethanol and green hydrogen. The partnership aligns with India’s energy transition goals and aims to position the country as a green methanol exporter.
Norsk e-Fuel, Prime Capital, and RES plan to build an 80,000-tonne SAF facility in North Sweden. The Power-to-Liquid project will produce e-Kerosene, supporting Europe’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation and sustainable aviation goals.
Gevo partnered with Axens to accelerate SAF development using ethanol-to-jet technology. The collaboration aims to reduce production costs and advance SAFs, supporting rural economic development and energy security.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Airbus delayed its hydrogen-powered aircraft project, citing slower-than-expected technology development. The ZEROe initiative, initially targeting 2035, faces challenges in hydrogen infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
Loganair plans to launch the world’s first commercial hydrogen flight route in Scotland by 2028. The airline is partnering with airports and fuel developers to establish hydrogen infrastructure for sustainable regional flights.
AutoFlight secured a $21.5 million order for 12 eVTOL aircraft from Hanyang Investment Group. The partnership will develop low-altitude flight operations in Wuhan, focusing on logistics, emergency response, and tourism.
Supernal’s full-scale eVTOL aircraft is undergoing ground testing at Mojave Air & Space Port. The piloted vehicle features tilting rotors and fixed-lift propellers, marking a step toward advanced air mobility solutions.
47G and BETA Technologies partnered to establish electric aircraft and charging infrastructure in Utah. The initiative supports the state’s sustainable aviation goals and prepares for the 2034 Winter Olympics.
Fabrum opened a hydrogen testing facility at Christchurch Airport, advancing green hydrogen aviation technologies. The facility supports liquefaction and gas management systems, with backing from Airbus and Air New Zealand.
SkyDrive has received G-1 certification basis from Japan’s JCAB for its eVTOL aircraft. The milestone brings the company closer to commercialising its three-seater SKYDRIVE, with plans for demonstration flights at World Expo 2025.
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