JetZero Adds easyJet As Hydrogen Blended Wing Body Aircraft Design Partner & 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
South Korea plans to introduce SAF for international flights from 2027, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change.
Malaysia has launched the Malaysia Aviation Decarbonisation Blueprint, targeting net-zero carbon emissions for international aviation by 2050. The plan outlines measures including aircraft technology improvements, operational enhancements, SAF use, and carbon offsetting.
Southeast Asia could supply 12% of global SAF demand by 2050, potentially meeting the region’s jet fuel needs, according to a report supported by Boeing . The region has sufficient bio-based feedstock resources for production.
Seven companies are launching a project to build a new scheme for trading Scope 3 environmental value from SAF use at Narita Airport. The initiative aims to share costs throughout the air transport value chain and drive widespread SAF uptake.
Sweden will abolish its aviation tax from July 2025 to boost air travel. The decision contrasts with other European governments’ policies and represents a departure from the country’s previous stance on environmental activism in air travel.
Donald Trump pledged to rescind unspent funds under the Inflation Reduction Act if elected, potentially disrupting key parts of the Democrats’ climate law. The threat underscores urgency for the Biden administration to disburse funds quickly.
GE Aerospace has acquired SATAVIA , a British climate technology start-up that helps mitigate the warming effect of aircraft contrail clouds. The acquisition supports GE’s efforts to reduce the aviation industry’s environmental impact.
The southwestern United States is experiencing triple-digit temperatures, marking the end of the hottest summer on record. The heat increases the likelihood of extreme weather events and may contribute to 2024 becoming the hottest year ever.
Infrastructure and operational efficiencies
Cardiff Airport has added six new electric vehicles to its operational fleet, advancing its goal of reaching carbon net zero. The airport has already reduced its carbon emissions by over 60% in the past four years.
OAK Airport has completed a sustainable ceiling replacement project in Terminal 2. The new tiles improve aesthetics, air quality, and functionality while contributing to the airport’s sustainability goals through recycled materials and reduced environmental impact.
Wipro has been enlisted by JFK International Air Terminal to aid in its sustainability goals. The collaboration aims to reduce the terminal’s greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
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Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Korean Air has launched a SAF initiative, implementing a 1% SAF blend for weekly flights between Seoul and Tokyo. The programme aims to progressively expand SAF use across medium- and long-haul routes.
Cathay Pacific has urged the Hong Kong government to develop a plan supporting airlines’ transition to green fuel. The carrier aims to use SAF for 10% of its total consumption by 2030.
Repsol has built a plant near Cartagena, Spain, to produce biofuels from waste materials. The company anticipates these alternative fuels will cut emissions by up to 90% compared to petroleum-based products.
New technology: Electric and Hydrogen
Budget airline easyJet has partnered with JetZero to provide operational insights for developing a hydrogen-powered blended wing body aircraft. The collaboration supports easyJet’s work on next-generation aircraft and hydrogen aviation development projects.
Brisbane, Australia, has highlighted urban air mobility infrastructure development as a focus in preparation for the 2032 Olympics. The city aims to introduce the technology to showcase tourism and business offerings in the region.
Scottish airline Loganair Limited has partnered with Heart Aerospace to establish use cases for its hybrid electric aircraft. The agreement supports Loganair’s goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 and Heart’s development of the ES-30 aircraft.
NUNCATS , a Norfolk-based company, has developed the Electric Skyjeep, a simple and affordable electric light aircraft. The project aims to make solar-powered electric flight accessible for aid agencies in regions with limited aviation fuel.
Bye Aerospace, Inc. has begun constructing its first all-electric aircraft, the eFlyer 2, intended as a zero-emission training trainer. The milestone aircraft will undergo extensive aerodynamic testing and validate approved design plans.
Archer has completed 402 test flights this year, surpassing its 400-flight goal ahead of schedule. The eVTOL manufacturer is ramping up operations before for-credit flight testing with the Federal Aviation Administration.
CATL, the world’s largest power battery maker, expects to see major advancements in the flying car space this year. The company anticipates the maiden flight of an eVTOL powered by CATL batteries by year-end.
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