IATA Report Sees Decarbonisation Transition Costing $4.7T & 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
IATA estimates annual costs for airlines to transition from jet fuel to sustainable alternatives will reach $1.4 billion in 2025 and up to $744 billion in 2050. The total transition cost from 2024-2050 is projected at $4.7 trillion.
A University of Cambridge report outlines four urgent steps needed in the next five years for global aviation to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These include addressing aircraft contrails, implementing efficiency policies, reforming sustainable fuel policies, and launching technology demonstration programmes.
IATA plans to launch the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Matchmaker in early 2025, aiming to connect airlines with SAF suppliers. The platform will address connectivity, visibility, and efficiency issues in SAF procurement, potentially accelerating its uptake in the aviation industry.
American Airlines ' CEO Robert Isom warned that stakeholders are not doing enough to help the aviation sector address its environmental impact. He calls for more investment, smarter policies, and faster scaling of technological solutions to meet climate goals.
British Airways has signed a £9 million deal to purchase carbon removal credits over six years. The airline is partnering with CUR8 to acquire 33,000 tonnes of carbon removal credits, supporting efforts to address climate change.
Lufthansa Cargo and Swiss WorldCargo - Air cargo division of SWISS will include the cost of SAF in their Airfreight Surcharge from January 2025. This aligns with the EU mandate requiring a 2% SAF blend for fuel uplifted from member state airports.
CLIMATE WATCH: Study Finds Climate Change Doubled Likelihood of Recent European Floods - The New York Times
A recent study by World Weather Attribution found that Storm Boris, which caused catastrophic flooding in Europe, was made twice as likely by human-induced climate change. The storm produced 7-20% more rain than a similar event in pre-industrial times.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
JFK International Air Terminal in New York has begun constructing an array of 13,000 solar panels on its new Terminal One building. The project, set to be the largest solar array in New York City, will provide 6.63 megawatts of power.
Eurostar and SkyTeam have signed a memorandum of understanding to offer integrated intermodal journeys combining air and rail travel. This partnership aims to provide customers with more sustainable options for European city centre-to-city centre travel.
Drax Group has launched Elimini , a US-based subsidiary focused on developing bioenergy with carbon capture and storage in North America. The company is reviewing over 20 potential sites and has entered into 11 carbon dioxide removal agreements.
The US Air Force has awarded Sage Geosystems Inc. a $1.9 million contract to develop a demonstration project for geopressured geothermal systems in Texas. The project aims to determine if GGS can generate clean energy for military bases.
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Twelve , a carbon transformation company, has secured $645 million in funding to accelerate its goals of de-fossilising manufacturing processes. The company plans to complete AirPlant One, its inaugural SAF plant, by 2025.
Delta Air Lines operated a flight from Minneapolis to New York partially powered by SAF made from winter camelina. The flight marks a milestone for the Minnesota SAF Hub and its partners, including the University of Minnesota and Cargill.
E-fuels company HIF Global has signed a land reservation contract with Brazil's Port of Açu to develop a facility producing up to 800,000 tonnes of e-methanol annually. The project aims to attract investment and boost the local economy.
SkyNRG and Skellefteå Kraft are partnering on Project SkyKraft to investigate producing SAF from renewable electricity and biogenic CO2 in Northern Sweden. The project aims to produce 100,000 tonnes of e-fuels annually by 2030.
CleanJoule has entered the approval process for its synthetic jet fuel, CycloSAF, which promises a pathway to 100% SAF use. The fuel, made from biomass, is seeking initial approval as a 10% blending component.
Air France-KLM has signed a deal with TotalEnergies for the supply of 1.5 million tonnes of SAF over 10 years. The airline claims to have used 16% of globally produced sustainable fuel in 2023.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
ZeroAvia has extended its Series C financing to $150 million with a £20 million investment from The Scottish National Investment Bank . The funding will support the development of hydrogen-electric aviation technology and potential manufacturing facilities in Scotland.
Former Boeing executive Marc Allen has joined Electra.aero as CEO, as the company prepares to accelerate work on its nine-passenger hybrid-electric STOL aircraft. Electra plans to reveal the full-scale design and name in November.
Denmark's NORDIC Seaplanes has signed a memorandum of understanding with Norwegian developer Elfly Group for up to 15 'Noemi' electric aircraft. The $150 million deal includes firm orders for five units and options for ten more.
Pyka has raised $40 million in Series B funding to support production of its all-electric Pelican autonomous crop sprayer and cargo variant. The company plans to expand manufacturing capabilities and develop new logistics capabilities for defence customers.
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Airline Transformation | Enterprise Engineer | Geography | Wine
2moOK….IATA’s suggests the cost of NettZero will ultimately be reflected in rising ticket prices….and calls upon other parties to work closer together to help achieve NettZero. I continue to wonder though how effective their (airlines’) own contributions are, given that most of their business models are based on, for the same O&D, customers having to pay more to fly less (a.k.a. Pay less for longer detours and more transfers).