Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from food waste has the potential to reduce net carbon emissions by 165% compared to fossil jet fuel, according to researchers at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Scientists are pointing at the not-so-insignificant role of air transport in climate change, arguing demand should be curbed to complement planned technological improvements.
Norwegian domestic airline Widerøe has partnered with Rolls-Royce and Italy’s Tecnam to become the potential launch operator of the P-Volt electric-powered passenger aircraft.
German aviation engineering services specialist Apus Group has begun construction of a hydrogen fuel-cell-powered four-seat aircraft which it plans to fly in mid-2023 and hopes to have on the market by 2025.
Biofuel producer Gevo has signed a MOU with Germany’s HCS Group to build a renewable hydrocarbon facility in Speyer, Germany, which will produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The European Commission has launched a new partnership focusing on electric, hybrid and disruptive technologies which will build on Clean Sky 2 and contribute to a new breed of regional, short- and medium-haul aircraft that will fly by 2035.
Universal Hydrogen, a startup aiming to provide fuel systems and logistics for zero-emission commercial aviation, has landed former Airbus CEO Tom Enders as a strategic advisor and secured investment from Trucks Venture Capital.
Renewable fuel producer Fulcrum BioEnergy has partnered with refinery operator Essar Oil (UK) to build a facility in northwest England to convert municipal solid waste into sustainable aviation fuel.
Finland has launched a research project to reduce the cost of producing synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, using renewable electricity and sequestered carbon dioxide.
Following Airbus’ drive to have a hydrogen-powered aircraft in service by 2035, several French players in commercial air transport have launched a “call for expressions of interest” centered on hydrogen use at airports.
GE Aviation has partnered with Etihad Airways on the launch of its 360 Foam Wash System, which it says provides both environmental and engine performance benefits.
British Airways is to invest in a sustainable aviation fuel plant to be built in the U.S. and anticipates receiving 7,500 metric tonnes a year of low-carbon jet fuel from the facility beginning at the end of 2022.
Sustainable Aero Lab will explore development of new technologies to improve aviation’s impact on climate change—including initiatives developed within MRO.
Rocket startup BluShift Aerospace launched its inaugural commercial mission Jan. 31, claiming the titles of the first commercial launch of a rocket with a “bio-derived” fuel and the first commercial launch from Maine.
Contrasting Boeing’s strategic direction against that of Airbus, which in 2020 unveiled concepts for liquid hydrogen fueled zero emissions airliners for potential entry-into-service in 2035, company CEO Dave Calhoun said SAFs are “the only answer between now and 2050.”
