UK Launches eVTOL Plan Targeting Autonomous Flights By 2030 & More
Sustainability In The Air
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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
A Dutch court ruled that KLM Royal Dutch Airlines misled customers with vague environmental claims and overstated the benefits of its sustainable aviation fuel, finding 15 of 19 assessed advertising statements to be greenwashing.
European airlines have called for regulatory support and incentives to meet forthcoming SAF mandates and maintain global competitiveness, with Air France-KLM CEO Ben Smith characterising a Dutch court's greenwashing ruling as "very frustrating."
IATA's Fly Net Zero report highlights industry developments in sustainable aviation, including Korean Air 's SAF cooperation program for cargo, Swissport Italy's investment in electric GSE, and Cathay Cargo Terminal's adoption of recycled plastic cargo covers.
A UK and European consortium, the Hydrogen in Aviation alliance, has called for additional British government funding to support the development of hydrogen-powered aviation by 2050.
普惠 and the FAA will collaborate with research institutions to study non-CO2 aviation emissions using conventional Jet A and 100% SAF in a GTF engine combustor rig test.
CLIMATE WATCH: Emissions connected to top oil and gas firms may cause millions of heat deaths by 2100, study finds?
A Global Witness study found that emissions from fossil fuels produced by major oil companies could cause 11.5 million excess heat deaths by 2100 under a high-emissions scenario.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
British Airways is overhauling its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport, replacing vehicles with electric alternatives or those running on hydrotreated vegetable oil fuel as an interim measure.
WestJet reduced emissions intensity by 16% over the past decade through fleet modernisation and network planning, aligning with ICAO's goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Chicago's Department of Aviation is collaborating with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory to enhance sustainable energy usage at O'Hare International Airport as part of the expansive O'Hare 21 project.
Copenhagen Airports A/S has installed a large battery for storing green power, marking a milestone in the EU's ALIGHT project and paving the way for more sustainable airport operations.
IAE International Aero Engines AG successfully tested its V2500 jet engine with 100% SAF at MTU Maintenance Hannover in Germany, supporting the aviation industry's goal of net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
International Airlines Group (IAG) , one of the largest users of SAF globally, has a clear roadmap to reach net zero emissions by 2050, focusing on emission-free aircraft, SAF, and carbon removals.
Air New Zealand has launched a global call for innovators and startups in the SAF sector to become supply partners, sharing its requirements and criteria in an Opportunity Statement.
A multi-state coalition urged the Biden administration to adopt the DOE's GREET model for SAF tax credit calculations, cautioning against unwarranted penalties on agricultural feedstocks that could undermine U.S. SAF goals.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
The UK Government has outlined a roadmap for the use of drones and electric air taxis, predicting the first eVTOL flying taxi flight by 2026 and regular drone deliveries by 2027.
The Hydrogen in Aviation alliance has set out the UK's strategy to lead the global hydrogen industry, estimating potential economic benefits of $43 billion with the right conditions in place.
Alakai Technologies Corporation is developing a hydrogen fuel cell-powered eVTOL aircraft called Skai, believing it offers the best solution for sustainable, emissions-free air transportation with an initial range of 200 miles.
GKN Aerospace is part of the HyFIVE consortium in the UK, developing and testing a cryogenic liquid hydrogen fuel system to address technical, safety, certification, and industrialisation challenges in aviation.
Joby Aviation will deliver two electric aircraft to MacDill Air Force Base in 2025, demonstrating the military's role as a bridge to the commercial market for eVTOL companies.
EHang (NASDAQ: EH) EH216-S pilotless eVTOL aircraft made its debut flight in Latin America, showcasing its suitability for aerial tourism, airport commuting, medical delivery, and emergency response operations.
FLYONE 's Lilypad Elevate network aims to connect 25 regional airports in Australia by 2030 using electric aircraft, with 5 charge locations and 3 routes currently active for pilot training and private transport.
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