Finland has launched a research project to reduce the cost of producing synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, using renewable electricity and sequestered carbon dioxide.
Following Airbus’ drive to have a hydrogen-powered aircraft in service by 2035, several French players in commercial air transport have launched a “call for expressions of interest” centered on hydrogen use at airports.
GE Aviation has partnered with Etihad Airways on the launch of its 360 Foam Wash System, which it says provides both environmental and engine performance benefits.
British Airways is to invest in a sustainable aviation fuel plant to be built in the U.S. and anticipates receiving 7,500 metric tonnes a year of low-carbon jet fuel from the facility beginning at the end of 2022.
Sustainable Aero Lab will explore development of new technologies to improve aviation’s impact on climate change—including initiatives developed within MRO.
Rocket startup BluShift Aerospace launched its inaugural commercial mission Jan. 31, claiming the titles of the first commercial launch of a rocket with a “bio-derived” fuel and the first commercial launch from Maine.
Contrasting Boeing’s strategic direction against that of Airbus, which in 2020 unveiled concepts for liquid hydrogen fueled zero emissions airliners for potential entry-into-service in 2035, company CEO Dave Calhoun said SAFs are “the only answer between now and 2050.”
Universal Hydrogen wants to enable zero-emissions commercial aviation by tacking the two biggest challenges: creating a distribution infrastructure and kick-starting demand for hydrogen.
Olivier Andries has to helm the super-Tier 1 manufacturer as it navigates a still-turbulent environment while longer term Safran will have to offer new concepts to decarbonize commercial aviation.
The Scottish regional carrier plans to use a new contract to provide air services for one of the UK’s most remote island groups as the setting for the introduction of sustainably powered aircraft.
Startup ZeroAvia has raised $37.7 million in funding to develop a zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system to power 19-seat regional airliners.
Germany’s air transport sector committed to reaching net zero emissions as it rolled out its “masterplan climate protection” on Dec. 14., but tied the target to strong political support in replacing fleets and bringing synthetic fuels to market.
U.S. start-up Ampaire is flying its hybrid-electric testbed on a regional airline route in Hawaii to demonstrate the propulsion technology’s potential to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 40-50%.
Signature Flight Support has pumped the first ceremonial gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the first two locations in its network, marking the launch of the renewable fuel’s continuous availability for purchase.
While engineers at airframers and engine manufacturers, particularly in Europe, are busy advancing hydrogen technology for use in commercial aircraft propulsion, airports have begun studying a transition from conventional fuel.
