No fast lane is in sight for the introduction of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in significant quantities, as producers still have to cope with complex processes and high costs, French oil giant TotalEnergies says.
Yet many of those companies are small- and medium-size businesses and finding the time and money is a serious hurdle for them, industry observers warn.
The European Parliament’s Transport Committee has approved legislation that includes a more ambitious sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) mandate than one originally proposed by the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” climate package.
IATA says SAF production needs to increase from roughly 100 million liters (26.4 million gal.) annually in 2021 to 449 billion liters (119 billion gal.) to meet the industry’s goal of net zero carbon emissions.
Airbus has partnered with energy supplier Uniper, Siemens Energy and sustainable fuels company Sasol EcoFT to launch the Green Fuels Hamburg project to produce power-to-liquid synthetic e-kerosene on a commercial scale in Germany.
The European Commission (EC) has launched the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation to prepare the aviation ecosystem for the entry into service of electric- and hydrogen-powered aircraft that will contribute to Europe’s goal to be climate neutral by 2050.
Airbus and global industrial gases and engineering company Linde are broadening their cooperation agreement to study the logistics aspects of hydrogen use in aviation.
MTU Aero Engines says it has identified a Flying Fuel Cell (FFC) and Water Enhanced Turbofan (WET) as “favored” concepts for revolutionary reductions in emissions from aircraft propulsion systems.
As Europe’s Clean Sky 2 research and technology project is nearing the end, Airbus and industry partners are expected to complete the construction of their multifunction fuselage demonstrator, aiming at lower cost and weight and fast-paced manufacturing.
The chief technology officers of seven companies involved in the EU’s Clean Aviation public-private partnership have committed to work together on topics that would otherwise be competitive issues, praising the framework the €4.1 billion ($4.3 billion) initiative is giving the industry.
Finnair has agreed to take 7 million gal. of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) annually from Colorado-based renewable fuels producer Gevo, as part of a wider 200 million gal. per year commitment by the Oneworld alliance.
On June 21, an ATR 72-600 operated by Swedish carrier Braathens Regional Airlines (BRA) completed a milestone test flight with both Pratt & Whitney engines 100%-powered with Neste sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Shell Aviation has partnered with Accenture and American Express Global Business Travel to create a blockchain-powered system that would let corporate travel buyers to participate in the funding of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and gain credit.
IATA is stressing Latin America governments must bolster infrastructure for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to support the growing use of alternative fuels.
The UK’s Cranfield Aerospace Solutions plans to collaborate with German airline startup Evia Aero to launch hydrogen-electric-powered air services in Northern Europe.
ATR, Sweden’s Braathens Regional Airlines and Finnish fuel producer Neste are preparing to conduct the first commercial flight to use 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in both engines.
