Toyota Invests $500m In Joby Aviation’s eVTOL Development & More
Each Friday, we publish a round-up of the 20 most important stories on sustainable aviation.

Toyota Invests $500m In Joby Aviation’s eVTOL Development & More

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's director general criticised the EU's approach to sustainability, stating it damages airlines' competitiveness. He urged other regions not to make the same mistakes, highlighting concerns about carbon credit trading and SAF policies.

British Airways has agreed to finance enhanced weathering, a carbon removal process involving crushed rocks, to offset emissions. The airline will pay UNDO to remove 4,000 tonnes of CO2, about 0.02% of its annual emissions.

IATA released updated Policy and Finance Net Zero Roadmaps, emphasising that decarbonisation by 2050 is feasible but requires urgent collaboration. The roadmaps highlight the need for strategic policy sequencing and transformative collaboration across sectors.

Image: IATA

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has launched a consultation to enhance its Aviation Environmental Review. The process aims to improve environmental reporting capabilities and shape future assessments of the UK aviation industry's environmental performance.


CLIMATE WATCH: Wildfires are burning through humanity’s carbon budget, study shows - The Guardian 

A study shows wildfires are burning through the carbon budget allocated to limit global heating. Researchers warn this trend is approaching a critical temperature threshold, with forests changing from carbon sinks to sources.


Infrastructure and operational efficiencies

JFKIAT, the operator of JFK Airport's Terminal 4, has invested in Green-e certified Renewable Energy Certificates to support the transition to green electricity. This action has reduced the facility's carbon footprint by 16% compared to its baseline.

Scientists propose that aircraft should fly 15% slower to reduce carbon emissions. This could increase transatlantic flight times by about 50 minutes but potentially reduce fuel consumption by 7%, balancing environmental concerns with travel needs.


Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Aether Fuels and JetBlue have signed a memorandum of understanding for SAF production. Aether's technology transforms carbonaceous waste into liquid fuel, aiming to provide a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to conventional jet fuel.

Honeywell will implement its Experion PKS Distributed Control System at USA BioEnergy 's Texas biorefinery. The $2.8 billion facility aims to convert wood waste into SAF, potentially avoiding 30 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Greasezilla and bp have agreed to capture and extract brown grease waste for biofuel production. BP will finance the expansion of Greasezilla's facilities to support the delivery of feedstock for renewable diesel and SAF markets.

Crysalis Biosciences, Inc. will develop a $239.5 million SAF plant in Sauget, Illinois. The project, supported by the state government, will create 35 new jobs and produce alternative jet fuel with 90% lower carbon intensity.

Avalon BioEnergy Uruguay S.A. is launching Latin America's first fully integrated Agriculture-SAF biorefinery in Uruguay. The $380 million project aims to produce 100,000 MT of SAF annually using non-edible oil seed crops.

Jet Zero Australia has secured $14 million in government funding for Project Ulysses, its SAF project in Townsville. The investment represents the largest government commitment to a SAF project in Australian history.


New technology: Electric and Hydrogen

Toyota Motor Corporation is investing $500 million in Joby Aviation to support the final stages of development for its electric air taxi aircraft. The investment strengthens the existing relationship between the two manufacturers.

Whisper Aero and Electric Power Systems, Inc. have partnered to develop cleaner, quieter, and more efficient thrusters for small prop-driven planes. The project aims to enable regional air mobility at scale using EPS battery technology.

BETA TECHNOLOGIES unveiled a passenger-carrying version of its ALIA vertical takeoff and landing and fixed-wing vehicles. The company, which has raised over $860 million, is pursuing a different strategy by selling aircraft and charging solutions to customers.

Image: Beta Technologies

UrbanLink Air Mobility has ordered up to 20 Eviation Aircraft Alice commuter airplanes. The nine-seat, zero-emission aircraft will operate eco-friendly flights on routes up to 250 nautical miles from hubs in Miami, Los Angeles, and San Juan.

Pivotal has completed deliveries of its Blackfly single-seat eVTOL aircraft to 13 select customers. The recreational flyers can operate the all-electric vehicle without a pilot's licence under FAA Part 103 rules, following specialised training.

Lilium is partnering with Galaxy FBO to establish infrastructure for an air taxi network in Texas. The deal covers three Houston-area facilities and includes a showcase of the Lilium Jet at William P. Hobby Airport.

Sea Cheetah Corporation plans to develop hydrogen-fuelled ground effect aircraft for coastal transport. The Miami startup is partnering with H3 Dynamics to create a hydrogen generation, storage, and fuelling network for these efficient, low-flying vehicles.

AMSL Aero has developed a hydrogen-powered VTOL aircraft called Vertiia, claiming a range of 1,000 km. The aircraft will be used as an air ambulance by Life Flight in New Zealand, offering advantages in speed, range, and noise reduction.


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