IATA releases roadmaps and milestones towards meeting industry’s net zero by 2050 target
The sustainability challenge is, bar none, the biggest we will face as leaders of the aviation industry, Director General Willie Walsh told delegates in his keynote report at IATA’s 2023 AGM and World Air Transport Summit held in Istanbul. At its meeting in 2021, airlines committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050 and released its Fly Net Zero strategy on how the aviation sector could reach the target. Together with industry stakeholders, IATA has updated the strategy and published five roadmaps covering aircraft technology, operations, finance, policy and energy and new fuels infrastructure. Achieving net zero will…
The sustainability challenge is, bar none, the biggest we will face as leaders of the aviation industry, Director General Willie Walsh told delegates in his keynote report at IATA’s 2023 AGM and World Air Transport Summit held in Istanbul. At its meeting in 2021, airlines committed to achieving net zero carbon by 2050 and released its Fly Net Zero strategy on how the aviation sector could reach the target. Together with industry stakeholders, IATA has updated the strategy and published five roadmaps covering aircraft technology, operations, finance, policy and energy and new fuels infrastructure. Achieving net zero will…
Travel technology group Amadeus invests in synthetic aviation fuels disruptor CAPHENIA
Travel technology company Amadeus has bought a minority stake in CAPHENIA, a German renewable energy start-up that next year plans to produce fuels from synthetic gas, created by combining biogas, carbon dioxide, water and electricity. Through its globally patented Power-and-Biogas-to-Liquid (PBtL) process, CAPHENIA expects to produce more than 100 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel per year by 2030, and more than 1 billion litres by 2050. Neither company has revealed the scale or value of the investment, which Amadeus said was part of a broader commitment “to support the industry on its journey toward sustainable travel.” The pre-development…
Travel technology company Amadeus has bought a minority stake in CAPHENIA, a German renewable energy start-up that next year plans to produce fuels from synthetic gas, created by combining biogas, carbon dioxide, water and electricity. Through its globally patented Power-and-Biogas-to-Liquid (PBtL) process, CAPHENIA expects to produce more than 100 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel per year by 2030, and more than 1 billion litres by 2050. Neither company has revealed the scale or value of the investment, which Amadeus said was part of a broader commitment “to support the industry on its journey toward sustainable travel.” The pre-development…
New partnerships target Australia’s first test and commercial hydrogen-electric flights
Hydrogen-powered aviation is gaining altitude in Australia with two new industrial collaborations formed to progress production and deployment of hydrogen-electric powertrains. The Hydrogen Flight Alliance (HFA), a nine-partner consortium in the state of Queensland, is targeting 2026 for the nation’s first hydrogen-electric commercial flight, a 70-minute journey from the state capital, Brisbane, to the regional industrial centre of Gladstone. The flight will be operated with a Beech 1900D commuter plane, converted to hydrogen power by start-up manufacturer Stralis Aircraft and operated by regional airline Skytrans, both members of the HFA. Additionally, Sydney-based Dovetail Electric Aviation has announced a partnership…
Hydrogen-powered aviation is gaining altitude in Australia with two new industrial collaborations formed to progress production and deployment of hydrogen-electric powertrains. The Hydrogen Flight Alliance (HFA), a nine-partner consortium in the state of Queensland, is targeting 2026 for the nation’s first hydrogen-electric commercial flight, a 70-minute journey from the state capital, Brisbane, to the regional industrial centre of Gladstone. The flight will be operated with a Beech 1900D commuter plane, converted to hydrogen power by start-up manufacturer Stralis Aircraft and operated by regional airline Skytrans, both members of the HFA. Additionally, Sydney-based Dovetail Electric Aviation has announced a partnership…
The UK’s climate advisers criticise government over airport expansion and jet zero strategy
In its latest progress report to Parliament, the UK’s independent advisory Climate Change Committee says continued unconstrained capacity expansion at UK airports is putting at risk the government’s net zero emissions target. The Committee has previously recommended there should be no net airport expansion across the UK but notes UK airports have increased their capacities and continue to develop expansion proposals. Unless aviation’s carbon intensity is outperforming the government’s pathway and can accommodate this additional demand, it says, no airport expansions should proceed until a UK-wide capacity management framework is in place to annually assess and, if required, control…
In its latest progress report to Parliament, the UK’s independent advisory Climate Change Committee says continued unconstrained capacity expansion at UK airports is putting at risk the government’s net zero emissions target. The Committee has previously recommended there should be no net airport expansion across the UK but notes UK airports have increased their capacities and continue to develop expansion proposals. Unless aviation’s carbon intensity is outperforming the government’s pathway and can accommodate this additional demand, it says, no airport expansions should proceed until a UK-wide capacity management framework is in place to annually assess and, if required, control…
Sustainable flight technology announcements highlight return of Paris Air Show
After a four-year absence due to the global pandemic, the aerospace industry returned in force to the Paris Air Show, which was marked not just by 1,260-plus orders and options for new aircraft, but also by a flood of product, procurement and partnership deals focused on reducing the sector’s impact on the environment. The event was also thick with news of zero-emission aircraft and propulsion systems, technology breakthroughs promising higher efficiency and lower emissions, and research and development programmes to refine or explore paths to more sustainable aviation. An order by India’s largest airline, IndiGo, for 500 Airbus A320…
After a four-year absence due to the global pandemic, the aerospace industry returned in force to the Paris Air Show, which was marked not just by 1,260-plus orders and options for new aircraft, but also by a flood of product, procurement and partnership deals focused on reducing the sector’s impact on the environment. The event was also thick with news of zero-emission aircraft and propulsion systems, technology breakthroughs promising higher efficiency and lower emissions, and research and development programmes to refine or explore paths to more sustainable aviation. An order by India’s largest airline, IndiGo, for 500 Airbus A320…
Doubts on whether the pace of decarbonisation is fast enough to reach net zero target by 2050
“Our commitment to net zero by 2050 is fixed and firm,” IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, told delegates at the opening of this year’s annual gathering of airline executives, held recently in Istanbul. However, on the same day, one of the industry’s leading figures, Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, was telling CNN that net zero couldn’t be achieved within the 2050 timeframe and setting the goal was a “PR exercise”. The results of a survey of aviation industry decision-makers in six countries conducted by Ipsos on behalf of aircraft engine manufacturer GE Aerospace ahead of the Paris…
“Our commitment to net zero by 2050 is fixed and firm,” IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, told delegates at the opening of this year’s annual gathering of airline executives, held recently in Istanbul. However, on the same day, one of the industry’s leading figures, Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, was telling CNN that net zero couldn’t be achieved within the 2050 timeframe and setting the goal was a “PR exercise”. The results of a survey of aviation industry decision-makers in six countries conducted by Ipsos on behalf of aircraft engine manufacturer GE Aerospace ahead of the Paris…
Air New Zealand and NZ government choose US producers Fulcrum and LanzaJet for SAF trials
Air New Zealand and the New Zealand government have shortlisted two US-based renewable fuel providers, Fulcrum BioEnergy and LanzaJet, the latter in combination with LanzaTech, to conduct feasibility studies for the local production of sustainable aviation fuel, using solid waste as a feedstock. Following proposals last year from multiple international SAF producers, the airline and the government will jointly invest over NZ$2.2 million (US$1.35m) to evaluate the technical, economic, supply chain and environmental feasibility of production pathways offered by the two providers. LanzaTech transforms waste raw materials into low-carbon ethanol, which LanzaJet then converts into SAF through its alcohol-to-jet…
Air New Zealand and the New Zealand government have shortlisted two US-based renewable fuel providers, Fulcrum BioEnergy and LanzaJet, the latter in combination with LanzaTech, to conduct feasibility studies for the local production of sustainable aviation fuel, using solid waste as a feedstock. Following proposals last year from multiple international SAF producers, the airline and the government will jointly invest over NZ$2.2 million (US$1.35m) to evaluate the technical, economic, supply chain and environmental feasibility of production pathways offered by the two providers. LanzaTech transforms waste raw materials into low-carbon ethanol, which LanzaJet then converts into SAF through its alcohol-to-jet…
Critical decarbonisation policy challenges faced by European airports, says ACI chief
The decarbonisation of the industry is its highest priority but achieving net zero will come at a net extra cost of over €820 billion ($900m) for European aviation, a cost no sector can bear on its own, said Javier Marin, President of ACI Europe, in a plea for fiscal support. He told delegates at the airport body’s annual congress in Barcelona the EU’s Fit for 55 package will increase airfares and reduce demand, possibly by up to 20%, and with intra-European routes being the most impacted, regional airports and the communities would be most at risk of losing out…
The decarbonisation of the industry is its highest priority but achieving net zero will come at a net extra cost of over €820 billion ($900m) for European aviation, a cost no sector can bear on its own, said Javier Marin, President of ACI Europe, in a plea for fiscal support. He told delegates at the airport body’s annual congress in Barcelona the EU’s Fit for 55 package will increase airfares and reduce demand, possibly by up to 20%, and with intra-European routes being the most impacted, regional airports and the communities would be most at risk of losing out…
Australia launches Jet Zero Council and $20 million SAF funding programme
The Australian government has accelerated plans to decarbonise the nation’s air transport sector, formally launching the Australian Jet Zero Council and also announcing a AUD$30 million ($20m) funding programme to support local production of sustainable aviation fuels. The Jet Zero Council will focus on end-to-end development of SAF, from production to distribution, and additional measures to reduce emissions and increase aviation fuel security. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will coordinate the SAF funding initiative, which specifies new fuels must be produced using locally-sourced renewable feedstocks. Power-to-liquids and e-fuel pathways are specifically excluded from the programme. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia…
The Australian government has accelerated plans to decarbonise the nation’s air transport sector, formally launching the Australian Jet Zero Council and also announcing a AUD$30 million ($20m) funding programme to support local production of sustainable aviation fuels. The Jet Zero Council will focus on end-to-end development of SAF, from production to distribution, and additional measures to reduce emissions and increase aviation fuel security. The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will coordinate the SAF funding initiative, which specifies new fuels must be produced using locally-sourced renewable feedstocks. Power-to-liquids and e-fuel pathways are specifically excluded from the programme. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia…
Google and ICCT to lead new oversight committee on air travel emissions data
Led by non-profit research organisation the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and Google, a new independent advisory committee has been formed to oversee the Travel Impact Model (TIM), the methodology used for estimating flight emissions by Google Flights, Booking.com, Expedia and elsewhere in the travel industry. Made up of members from academia, airlines, NGOs and government agencies, the committee will oversee future changes to the TIM, including approval of updates to the model by incorporating the latest scientific knowledge in the field of flight emissions forecasting. The ICCT will serve as a technical secretariat to the committee and…
Led by non-profit research organisation the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and Google, a new independent advisory committee has been formed to oversee the Travel Impact Model (TIM), the methodology used for estimating flight emissions by Google Flights, Booking.com, Expedia and elsewhere in the travel industry. Made up of members from academia, airlines, NGOs and government agencies, the committee will oversee future changes to the TIM, including approval of updates to the model by incorporating the latest scientific knowledge in the field of flight emissions forecasting. The ICCT will serve as a technical secretariat to the committee and…
IATA forms new partnerships to aid carbon benchmarking in the air and on the ground
IATA has announced a package of partnerships to help drive further cuts in aviation’s emissions in the air and on the ground. Together with the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), an international collaboration of industry and academia, IATA will develop scenario-based tools that enable airlines to evaluate the costs of various carbon reduction pathways before choosing the measures most appropriate to their own circumstances. A second partnership, with the global engineering and project management company Atkins, will assist airports to measure the volume of carbon embedded in assets such as terminal buildings, runways and car parks, and provide tools to…
IATA has announced a package of partnerships to help drive further cuts in aviation’s emissions in the air and on the ground. Together with the Aviation Impact Accelerator (AIA), an international collaboration of industry and academia, IATA will develop scenario-based tools that enable airlines to evaluate the costs of various carbon reduction pathways before choosing the measures most appropriate to their own circumstances. A second partnership, with the global engineering and project management company Atkins, will assist airports to measure the volume of carbon embedded in assets such as terminal buildings, runways and car parks, and provide tools to…
New investment in Nova Pangaea added to IAG’s $865 million SAF commitment
International Airlines Group (IAG), parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL, is making a £4.4 million ($5.6m) investment in UK cleantech company Nova Pangaea Technologies (NPT), which is developing technology to convert agricultural waste and wood residue feedstocks into second-generation bioethanol that can then be processed into sustainable aviation fuel. IAG says the investment is in addition to an existing commitment of $865 million in future SAF purchases and other investments, with agreements in place for 250,000 tonnes of SAF that represent 25% towards its target of one…
International Airlines Group (IAG), parent company of Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Vueling and LEVEL, is making a £4.4 million ($5.6m) investment in UK cleantech company Nova Pangaea Technologies (NPT), which is developing technology to convert agricultural waste and wood residue feedstocks into second-generation bioethanol that can then be processed into sustainable aviation fuel. IAG says the investment is in addition to an existing commitment of $865 million in future SAF purchases and other investments, with agreements in place for 250,000 tonnes of SAF that represent 25% towards its target of one…
United’s sustainable venture fund doubles in size in five months with eight new corporate partners
The United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, which was launched five months ago with more than $100 million in investments from United and five partners, has increased in size to $200 million with the addition of eight new partners: American Express Global Business Travel, Aramco Ventures, Aviation Capital Group, Bank of America, Boston Consulting Group, Groupe ADP, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue Ventures. The fund is a way for companies and consumers to come together and increase the supply of sustainable aviation fuel through the support of startups. The new corporate members join inaugural partners Air Canada, Boeing, GE Aerospace,…
The United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund, which was launched five months ago with more than $100 million in investments from United and five partners, has increased in size to $200 million with the addition of eight new partners: American Express Global Business Travel, Aramco Ventures, Aviation Capital Group, Bank of America, Boston Consulting Group, Groupe ADP, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue Ventures. The fund is a way for companies and consumers to come together and increase the supply of sustainable aviation fuel through the support of startups. The new corporate members join inaugural partners Air Canada, Boeing, GE Aerospace,…
Google AI-based prediction study with American Airlines shows 54% reduction in aircraft contrails
A study led by Google Research and Breakthrough Energy, together with support from American Airlines, has found that by using artificial intelligence (AI) based predictions to make small modifications to routes that were projected to create contrails, their formation could be reduced by 54%, although avoidance burned 2% additional fuel. Other recent studies have shown that only a small percentage of flights need to be adjusted to avoid the majority of contrail warming. Therefore, say the researchers, the total fuel impact could be as low as 0.3% across an airline’s flights, suggesting contrails could be avoided at scale for…
A study led by Google Research and Breakthrough Energy, together with support from American Airlines, has found that by using artificial intelligence (AI) based predictions to make small modifications to routes that were projected to create contrails, their formation could be reduced by 54%, although avoidance burned 2% additional fuel. Other recent studies have shown that only a small percentage of flights need to be adjusted to avoid the majority of contrail warming. Therefore, say the researchers, the total fuel impact could be as low as 0.3% across an airline’s flights, suggesting contrails could be avoided at scale for…
Gold Standard’s approval of SATAVIA methodology paves way for tradeable non-CO2 credits
While mitigating CO2 emissions from flights through the sale and purchase of carbon offsets or credits has been around for many years, no such market mechanism exists to address the non-CO2 climate impacts from flights, although some carbon offset providers will apply a simple multiplier to the CO2 emissions to account for them. Contrail prevention technology company SATAVIA is now working to develop a methodology concept that would deliver credits for mitigating climate warming caused by aircraft-induced clouds. The methodology has just been approved for progression by carbon and sustainable development standards body Gold Standard, which could pave the…
While mitigating CO2 emissions from flights through the sale and purchase of carbon offsets or credits has been around for many years, no such market mechanism exists to address the non-CO2 climate impacts from flights, although some carbon offset providers will apply a simple multiplier to the CO2 emissions to account for them. Contrail prevention technology company SATAVIA is now working to develop a methodology concept that would deliver credits for mitigating climate warming caused by aircraft-induced clouds. The methodology has just been approved for progression by carbon and sustainable development standards body Gold Standard, which could pave the…
Regional airline Air Nostrum doubles order for HAV’s 100-passenger, low-emission airship
Spain’s Air Nostrum Group, which also operates Ireland’s Hibernian Air and Malta’s Mel Air, has doubled to 20 its reservations for new, low-emission Airlander 10 airships from UK-based aerospace company Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV). The helium airships, which will seat up to 100 passengers and carry a 10-tonne payload, initially will be lifted and propelled by thrust-vectored hybrid-electric engines, which HAV claims produce 90% lower emissions than similar capacity aircraft. The company is targeting 2026 for test flights and 2027 for certification and entry into service of the first Airlander 10s, and is planning to add a zero-emission,…
Spain’s Air Nostrum Group, which also operates Ireland’s Hibernian Air and Malta’s Mel Air, has doubled to 20 its reservations for new, low-emission Airlander 10 airships from UK-based aerospace company Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV). The helium airships, which will seat up to 100 passengers and carry a 10-tonne payload, initially will be lifted and propelled by thrust-vectored hybrid-electric engines, which HAV claims produce 90% lower emissions than similar capacity aircraft. The company is targeting 2026 for test flights and 2027 for certification and entry into service of the first Airlander 10s, and is planning to add a zero-emission,…
European Parliament adopts rules to stimulate supply of sustainable aviation fuels
The European Parliament has approved the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation that will oblige fuel suppliers to blend increasing levels of sustainable aviation fuels, including synthetic fuels, in jet fuel taken on-board at EU airports. Starting from 2025, at least 2% of aviation fuels will be green, with this share increasing every five years to reach 6% in 2030, 34% in 2040 and 70% in 2050. In addition, a specific proportion of the fuel mix – 1.2% in 2030, 2% in 2032, 5% in 2035 and progressively rising to 35% in 2050 – must comprise synthetic fuels, such as e-kerosene. According…
The European Parliament has approved the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation that will oblige fuel suppliers to blend increasing levels of sustainable aviation fuels, including synthetic fuels, in jet fuel taken on-board at EU airports. Starting from 2025, at least 2% of aviation fuels will be green, with this share increasing every five years to reach 6% in 2030, 34% in 2040 and 70% in 2050. In addition, a specific proportion of the fuel mix – 1.2% in 2030, 2% in 2032, 5% in 2035 and progressively rising to 35% in 2050 – must comprise synthetic fuels, such as e-kerosene. According…
Australia focuses on emissions in Aviation Green Paper, as Qantas ups SAF commitments
The Australian government has prioritised decarbonisation of air transport in its newly-released Aviation Green Paper, ‘Towards 2050’ (AGP50), which lays the foundations for the nation’s aviation policy over the next decades. The document identifies key issues and calls for industry and public submissions to help shape a long-term strategy, which will be unveiled next year in the government’s Aviation White Paper. AGP50 highlights the importance of sustainable aviation fuel and both electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies in reducing emissions from aircraft operations, while expecting all emitters in the aviation industry – not just airlines – to contribute to net…
The Australian government has prioritised decarbonisation of air transport in its newly-released Aviation Green Paper, ‘Towards 2050’ (AGP50), which lays the foundations for the nation’s aviation policy over the next decades. The document identifies key issues and calls for industry and public submissions to help shape a long-term strategy, which will be unveiled next year in the government’s Aviation White Paper. AGP50 highlights the importance of sustainable aviation fuel and both electric and hydrogen propulsion technologies in reducing emissions from aircraft operations, while expecting all emitters in the aviation industry – not just airlines – to contribute to net…
US start-ups Cemvita and DG Fuels secure SAF production deals with United and Airbus
Two emerging US producers of sustainable aviation fuel have won significant new support, with Houston-based Cemvita Corporation announcing a 20-year SAF offtake deal from United Airlines, and New York-based DG Fuels securing Airbus as a strategic partner. United, which last year invested in Cemvita, has now committed to acquire 1 billion gallons (almost 3.8 billion litres) of SAF from the company, or up to 50 million gallons (189 million litres) per year. The fuel will be made from recycled carbon dioxide. The Airbus partnership with DG Fuels includes agreement that a portion of the SAF produced at the company’s…
Two emerging US producers of sustainable aviation fuel have won significant new support, with Houston-based Cemvita Corporation announcing a 20-year SAF offtake deal from United Airlines, and New York-based DG Fuels securing Airbus as a strategic partner. United, which last year invested in Cemvita, has now committed to acquire 1 billion gallons (almost 3.8 billion litres) of SAF from the company, or up to 50 million gallons (189 million litres) per year. The fuel will be made from recycled carbon dioxide. The Airbus partnership with DG Fuels includes agreement that a portion of the SAF produced at the company’s…
ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen programmes edge closer to certification
The transition to hydrogen-fuelled flights, initially on regional air routes, has received a double boost, with major milestones announced by two leading powertrain developers, ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen. Both companies are developing hydrogen propulsion systems to replace fossil-fuelled engines in existing commuter planes and are progressing flight test programmes. ZeroAvia has just secured additional funding from 10 investors, jointly-led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, to progress certification of its entry-level ZA600 powertrain, designed to retrofit 9-20 seat commuter planes. Airbus and ZeroAvia will also collaborate on key technical issues to help achieve certification of…
The transition to hydrogen-fuelled flights, initially on regional air routes, has received a double boost, with major milestones announced by two leading powertrain developers, ZeroAvia and Universal Hydrogen. Both companies are developing hydrogen propulsion systems to replace fossil-fuelled engines in existing commuter planes and are progressing flight test programmes. ZeroAvia has just secured additional funding from 10 investors, jointly-led by Airbus, Barclays Sustainable Impact Capital and Saudi Arabia’s NEOM, to progress certification of its entry-level ZA600 powertrain, designed to retrofit 9-20 seat commuter planes. Airbus and ZeroAvia will also collaborate on key technical issues to help achieve certification of…