IAG and Infinium announce 10-year e-SAF deal & 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
International Civil Aviation Organization has secured global support for aviation decarbonisation at COP29, emphasising net-zero goals whilst advancing sustainable fuel initiatives through international collaboration.
The UK government has established Jet Zero Taskforce to guide aviation sustainability, bringing together industry leaders to advance sustainable fuel adoption and zero-emission flights.
CFP Energy 's survey reveals varied decarbonisation progress across European aviation, with biofuels and carbon markets leading whilst funding and technology remain significant barriers.
European aviation industry has urged EU institutions to prioritise decarbonisation through dedicated industrial strategy, calling for structured dialogue and comprehensive support mechanisms.
4AIR has expanded its compliance monitoring services to include twenty-one regulatory schemes, helping operators navigate increasingly complex environmental requirements globally.
The aviation industry's limited engagement in COP29 climate finance discussions raises concerns about sector commitment compared with the shipping industry's progressive approach.
Lufthansa Group has extended Green Fares globally, enabling passengers to offset emissions through sustainable fuel usage and climate protection projects across its airline network.
Developed nations have agreed to channel £300 billion annually to developing countries by 2035, disappointing expectations for larger climate finance commitments.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Leeds Bradford Airport has achieved five-star environmental rating, improving its sustainability benchmark score for fourth consecutive year whilst advancing net-zero initiatives.
Boeing and Pratt & Whitney have joined NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration 's research programme to examine sustainable aircraft designs, receiving funding alongside other organisations totalling £11.5 million.
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
International Airlines Group (IAG) has secured a sustainable aviation fuel agreement with Infinium , establishing a long-term supply contract for synthetic fuel produced from waste carbon dioxide.
The International Council on Clean Transportation 's latest research highlights shortcomings in US state-level sustainable aviation fuel policies, recommending improvements for decarbonisation, sustainability and equity goals.
TotalEnergies and SINOPEC have agreed to develop a sustainable aviation fuel facility in China, targeting 230,000 tonnes annual production using local waste.
Solarig has announced a £1.15 billion sustainable aviation fuel facility in Spain, incorporating renewable energy assets whilst targeting 75,000 tonnes annual production.
Malaysia plans sustainable aviation fuel production by 2027, targeting one million metric tonnes annually whilst considering tax incentives for industry development.
A.P. Moller - Maersk and Lufthansa Cargo have partnered to advance freight decarbonisation, utilising 400 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel derived from biogenic residues.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Heart Aerospace plans inaugural electric flight at Plattsburgh International Airport , advancing development of hybrid-electric regional aircraft.
PowerCell Group has secured a £1.15 million contract to supply hydrogen fuel cells for a Japanese aviation project, supporting sector decarbonisation through 2026.
ETH Zürich scientists have conducted pioneering research on hydrogen-powered engine flames, examining vibration patterns under simulated flight conditions.
UrbanLink Air Mobility has partnered with Traverse Aero Corporation , ordering forty hybrid-electric cargo drones for sustainable logistics operations.
The electric vertical takeoff industry faces widespread financial distress, with Lilium declaring insolvency and others shuttering operations. Despite significant Wall Street investment, companies are struggling with certification costs and unrealistic business cases, whilst major manufacturers lack solid orders.
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