WestJet acquires Shell Aviation's first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) available for purchase in Canada

Adds to WestJet's commitment to advancing sustainability framework and ambitious net-zero emissions goals

The Canadian carrier WestJet has confirmed it has purchased the first Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supplied in Canada by Shell Aviation, marking another milestone in it's mission to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and signifying another step forward in making Canada's aviation industry more sustainable.

"WestJet is committed to enhancing our position as a first mover in sustainability technologies. Just as we pioneered advancements in Winglets and drag reduction, WestJet proudly stands as the first airline to acquire SAF by Shell in Canada," said Angela Avery, WestJet Group Executive Vice President and Chief People, Corporate and Sustainability Officer. "Thanks to Shell's world-class fuel supply chain and WestJet's proven track record in sustainability, this first step sets the stage for future collaboration and innovation to encourage investments in this important lever for decarbonization."

With the right regulatory and investment environment, SAF remains one of the more viable and scalable in-sector options for reducing emissions in the 2050 timeframe and has the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80 per cent when used neat, compared with conventional aviation fuel1. WestJet remains committed to working with government and industry partners toward the establishment of a sustainable, long-term commercial framework for SAF. SAF acquired from Shell Aviation is blended with conventional jet fuel to meet all certification and safety requirements, while requiring no new investments in aircraft engines, fuel infrastructure or distribution processes.

Ground-breaking airport hydrogen trial next critical step on journey to achieving zero emission aviation

• Project Acorn is the first airside hydrogen refuelling trial ever to take place at a major UK airport
• Hydrogen has been used to refuel and power critical parts of easyJet’s ground operation at Bristol Airport, demonstrating hydrogen can be safely and reliably used in place of other fuels in an airport
• The data and insight gathered will be used to create the first ever safety guidance and inform the creation of the regulatory framework
• Critically, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has played an active role in the trial as an independent reviewer of the safety case
• The trial also aims to accelerate the use of hydrogen in aviation and across other industries

A ground-breaking airside hydrogen refuelling trial, led by easyJet and supported by several cross-industry partners, has been successfully completed at Bristol Airport – the first airport trial of its kind at a major UK airport.

Hydrogen was used to refuel and power ground support equipment (GSE) – specifically, baggage tractors – servicing easyJet passenger aircraft. Conducted as part of the airline’s daily operations, the trial demonstrates that the gas can be safely and reliably used to refuel ground equipment in the busy, live airport environment.

The trial, dubbed Project Acorn, was in development for over a year and involved many other leading organisations from across aviation, engineering, logistics and academia. These include Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, Cranfield University, Connected Places Catapult (CPC), DHL Supply Chain, Fuel Cell Systems, the IAAPS research institute, Jacobs, Mulag and TCR.

The group intends to use the outputs of the trial to help develop industry best practice standards, provide guidance to airports, airlines, local authorities and regulators on required infrastructure changes, and support the development of a regulatory framework for hydrogen’s use on an airfield – standards which, due to hydrogen’s nascency in aviation, do not currently exist.

The data and insights gathered will also feed into research that groups like Hydrogen in Aviation (HIA)* are conducting to ensure UK infrastructure, regulatory and policy changes keep pace with the technological developments in carbon-emission free flying. It also supports the work and ambitions of other bodies such as Hydrogen South West (HSW) and the Hydrogen Innovation Initiative (HII), the latter having also co-funded the project.

David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet, said:   “It’s without doubt that hydrogen will be an important fuel of the future for short-haul aviation, as demonstrated by the rate of innovation we’re seeing.

While the technology is advancing at an exciting pace, as hydrogen isn’t used in commercial aviation today, there is currently no regulatory guidance in place on how it can and should be used, and so trials like this are very important in building the safety case and providing critical data and insight to inform the development of the industry’s first regulatory framework. This will ensure regulation not only keeps pace with innovation, but importantly also supports the industry in meeting its decarbonisation targets by 2050.”

Tim Johnson, Director for Strategy, Policy and Communications at the Civil Aviation Authority, comments:

“Projects such as this are cornerstones of our commitment to support innovation and decarbonisation in the industry.

This trial will serve as the basis of a White Paper which we will also be contributing to, as well as allow for the creation of further safety guidance and regulatory standards for the use of hydrogen in aviation. 

We look forward to helping nurture this seed of the future greener aviation sector as it continues to grow.”

Emirates adds sustainable aviation fuel on flights from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Emirates has commenced the activation of its fuel agreement with Neste this month at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Over 2 million gallons of blended SAF will be supplied into the fuelling system at Schiphol Airport over the course of 2024.  

The airline will track the delivery of SAF into the fuelling systems and environmental benefits using standard industry accounting methodologies. Emirates’ partnership with Neste, announced late last year, represents one of the largest volumes of SAF that the airline has purchased to date. 

Once fully supplied into Amsterdam Schiphol’s fuelling system, the blended SAF will have been comprised of over 700,000 gallons of neat SAF. The airline is also working with Neste to supply SAF into the fuelling systems at Singapore Changi Airport in the next few months.  

Adel Al Redha, Deputy President and Chief Operations Officer, Emirates said: “Collaborating with committed partners like Neste is one of the practical steps we are taking to reduce our emissions, and it’s an all-important milestone in our own sustainability journey as an airline. Strong partnerships like this, especially at major air transport hubs such as Amsterdam, lay the foundation for how we can work with partners and airports to increase access to and availability of SAF across our network.” 

NAV CANADA joins the iTEC Alliance to foster more efficient and sustainable aviation

NAV CANADA is joining the iTEC Alliance and gives further momentum to an initiative that brings together some of the world's leading air navigation service providers. With this important partnership, iTEC has reached beyond the European borders for the first time and continues its cooperative venture to create a more efficient and environment-friendly generation of air traffic management systems.

The signing took place this week at the Airspace World event in Geneva which has brought together some of the main players in air traffic management ecosystem. Mark Cooper, Vice-President and Chief Technology and Information Officer on behalf of NAV CANADA, and the main representatives of the iTEC Alliance, Dirk Mahns, DFS COO and Chairman of iTEC Board; Kuldeep Gharatya, NATS Technical Services Director; Laura Garcés, ENAIRE Deputy Director ANS; Jan-Gunnar Pedersen, Avinor CEO; Magdalena Jaworska-Maćkowiak, PANSA President; Marlou Banning, LVNL CFO; Saulius Batavičius, Oro Navigacija CEO; and Javier Ruano, Indra's ATM General Director, signed the agreement. 

With this settlement, cooperation between Europe and North America will be reinforced, and global air traffic will reach new levels of efficiency thanks to a more collaborative management. This partnership also brings the possibility of operating transoceanic flights using the same technology from start to finish, thereby facilitating smoother traffic management across both sides of the world's busiest oceanic areas.

The joining of NAV CANADA, who plays a unique and critical role in managing the second-largest airspace in the world, constitutes a significant advancement for the Alliance—expanding its partnered airspace from 8 million to over 26 million square kilometres and supporting more than 12 million flights from 27 control centres each year. Aircraft will be able to cross almost half of the globe with iTEC SkyNex as the system managing their flights.

British Airways is embarking on a multi-million-pound investment programme to overhaul its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport

British Airways is embarking on a multi-million-pound investment programme to overhaul its ground support equipment at Heathrow Airport, as part of its commitment to reducing emissions both in the air and on the ground. The airline will gradually be replacing its ground vehicles at Heathrow, such as vans and cars, cargo transporters and passenger steps, moving towards hybrid or electric alternatives where available. Already, more than 90% of British Airways’ vehicles and ground equipment at Heathrow are either zero emissions electrical equipment when being used or driven, (hybrids) or are operating on hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel. 

Improvements include:  

Replacing more than 750 pieces of ground equipment, including fuel bowsers from fossil fuel to HVO. HVO is an interim measure whilst the airline gradually transitions to zero-emissions (when being used or driven) or hybrid equipment. Supplied by the airline’s current sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplier, Phillips 66, the use of HVO is anticipated to save more than 6,000 tonnes of CO2 per year compared to traditional diesel fuel, the equivalent of more than 8,000 round-trip economy passenger journeys between London Heathrow and JFK*.  

Replacing all diesel passenger aircraft steps with electric alternatives. This aims to reduce fuel consumption by more than 370 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, based on previous diesel usage, which is the equivalent of more than 500 round-trip economy passenger journeys between London Heathrow and JFK*. Many of the electric steps will be in full service by the end of the year. 

Phasing out its fleet of 20 diesel-powered vehicles which support the loading and unloading of cargo containers onto aircraft, replacing them with Hybrid Electric models.  

Introducing 135 new electric baggage tugs, accounting for 40% of our tugs, to transport customer's luggage. This improved battery and charging technology utilises highly efficient lithium-ion battery technology, requiring less energy and producing 30% less C02 when in use compared to traditional lead acid batteries. We are working closely with our supply chain in order to recycle as many battery components as possible at the end of life. 

Gradually phasing out all 38 diesel passenger buses over the next two years, with 23 expected to be fully electric and the remaining 15 operating on HVO fuel, with a large charging park at Heathrow now in the early stages of development. The use of these vehicles is expected to save 800 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, helping to reduce negative air quality impacts around the Heathrow area. 

Tom Moran, British Airways’ Director of Heathrow, said: “At British Airways, we are committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 or sooner and our focus isn’t just about reducing emissions in the air, but on the ground too. This major investment into our vehicles at Heathrow is our largest investment in more sustainable airport ground operations to date and is part of our wider environmental objective to minimise emissions from our airside ground operation. We’re proud of the work we are doing in this space and are excited to continue improving the running of our ground operations at Heathrow.” 

Make SAF, not electricity from household waste, urges boss of UK’s largest airports group

The UK risks missing out on a significant opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint by continuing to incinerate household waste, rather than use it to make Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), according to a new study released this month by MAG.

Every year, around 8.5m tonnes of household rubbish are burned to make electricity when items cannot be recycled or re-used, according to transport sustainability experts ICF. A further 7.3m tonnes are burned with no energy recovery at all.

Instead of being incinerated to make electricity, the same waste could be used to produce SAF at new refineries across the UK – giving airports a direct supply and creating tens of thousands of new green jobs. 

The research from ICF reveals that the reduction in carbon emissions from using bin bag waste to make SAF would be at least five times greater than that achieved by incinerating the same waste to generate electricity. 

It shows that SAF made from waste emits 89% less carbon than burning conventional jet fuel. This means that using waste to make SAF results in a much bigger reduction in carbon emissions than incinerating it to make electricity - because nearly 50% of all UK electricity already comes from renewable sources. 

The emissions saving of generating energy from waste is expected to get smaller and smaller – eventually reaching zero - as the UK works towards all its electricity coming from renewable sources by 2035. 

Using household waste to make Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) instead of burning it to make electricity would help cut UK carbon emissions

Research reveals the reduction in carbon emissions would be at least five times greater if rubbish was used to make SAF

Sending bin bag waste to make green jet fuel could help build a SAF industry in the UK, creating up to 60,000 jobs

Airbus and TotalEnergies sign strategic partnership for sustainable aviation fuels

Airbus and TotalEnergies have signed a strategic partnership to address the challenges of decarbonising aviation through sustainable aviation fuels.

 

In line with the objective of achieving net carbon neutrality of aviation by 2050, this partnership aims to contribute to the reduction of the sector's CO2 emissions, in which Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) play a key role. SAF supplied by TotalEnergies can reduce up to 90% CO2 emissions over their lifecycle compared to their fossil fuel equivalent.

 

The partnership will cover two main areas:

The supply by TotalEnergies of sustainable aviation fuels for more than half of Airbus' needs in Europe.

A research and innovation programme aimed at developing 100% sustainable fuels tailored to the design of current and future aircraft. The impact of the composition of sustainable aviation fuels on the reduction of CO2 emissions and non-CO2 effects, such as contrails, will also be studied.

Airbus and TotalEnergies confirm their common ambition to promote SAF technology and to strengthen their collaboration to decarbonise the aviation industry:

TotalEnergies has been supplying the SAF used by Airbus for its aircraft deliveries in Toulouse since 2016.

TotalEnergies also supplied the fuel for several first SAF flights with Airbus aircraft:

In May 2021, the 1st long-haul flight using French-produced SAF with an A350 between Paris and Montreal;

In November 2021, the first flight of a H225 helicopter, from the "Super Puma" family, using 100% SAF;

In March 2023, the first A321neo flight with 100% SAF.

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies, said: "The development of sustainable aviation fuels is at the heart of our Company's transition strategy. We are happy to form a strategic alliance with Airbus to play our part in meeting the challenge of aviation decarbonization together. TotalEnergies has been working hard to respond to the sector’s new demand for a reduced carbon footprint. Our Company has set itself a target of 1.5 million tons of annual SAF production by 2030".

A significant milestone in the transition to decarbonising the aviation sector has been made this week.......

Photo by Arno Senoner on Unsplash

OXCCU, a spinout from Oxford University, has revolutionised the process of creating sustainable, economically efficient, and scalable Jet fuel in a groundbreaking one-step process.

SAF is the future of the aviation industry, and OXCCU is at the forefront of this transformation. Their technology not only addresses the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions in the aviation sector but also offers a commercially viable solution that aligns with the global sustainability agenda. The OXCCU process is unique amongst other SAF products in Europe due to its one-step technology, which can produce high-value jet fuel at scale.

OXCCU’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is called OXEFUEL, created by combining captured carbon dioxide and renewably sourced green hydrogen using a novel iron-based catalyst. This innovative process results in a more cost-effective and decarbonised alternative to fossil-based Jet A fuel for commercial air travel. OXEFUEL has been independently tested and verified in collaboration with Imperial College London, finding that the novel process reduces the capital cost by 50%.

Following the recent announcement from Chee Hong Tat at the Changi Aviation Summit on the eve of the Singapore Airshow, that the country aims for a 1% SAF target from 2026 and plans to raise it to 3-5% by 2030, OXCCU’s Co-Founder and CEO, Andrew Symes said: "Singapore's decision to mandate the use of SAF for all departing flights by 2026, with plans to reach 3-5% usage by 2030, is a significant milestone in the transition to decarbonising the aviation sector. The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) has signalled operational readiness for SAF, setting a precedent for other nations to follow suit.

With the EU leading the way with RefuelEU, we're now seeing other countries and regions, this time notably in Asia, recognising the importance of legislation to achieve aviation emissions targets. This decision amplifies the message that transitioning to SAF is a necessity rather than a choice.

Increasing SAF supply through technologies such as OXCCU will be pivotal to achieving the mandates as we move away from petroleum-based jet fuel."

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Singapore to require departing flights to use sustainable fuel from 2026

Photo by shawnanggg on Unsplash

Singapore plans to require all flights departing the country to use sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from 2026, its transport minister said on Monday, as the city-state joins the global aviation industry's efforts to switch to greener fuel, reports Lisa Barrington and Brenda Goh.

Under the plan, announced by Chee Hong Tat at the Changi Aviation Summit on the eve of the Singapore Airshow, the country aims for a 1% SAF target from 2026 and plans to raise it to 3-5% by 2030, subject to global developments and the wider availability and adoption of SAF.

"The use of SAF is a critical pathway for the decarbonisation of aviation and is expected to contribute around 65% of the carbon emission reduction needed to achieve net zero by 2050," the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which developed the plan in consultation with industry and other stakeholders, said in a statement.

SAF can be made either through a synthetic processes or from biological materials, like used cooking oil or wood chips. SAF currently accounts for 0.2% of the jet fuel market.

The aviation industry says this will rise to 65% by 2050 as part of a plan to reach "net zero" emissions by then, though that will require an estimated $1.45 trillion to $3.2 trillion of capital spending.

United Airlines adds new corporate partners to sustainable flight fund which now exceeds $200 million.

Aircastle, Air New Zealand, Embraer, Google, HIS, Natixis CIB, Safran, and Technip Energies are now part of first-of-its-kind effort to reduce emissions and drive production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by providing startups with both financial and strategic capital

United customers play a role too, with more than 115,000 people contributing nearly $500,000 since February 2023

The U.S. mega-carrier United has announced that Aircastle (a Marubeni & Mizuho Leasing Company), Air New Zealand, Embraer, Google, HIS, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, Safran Corporate Ventures, and Technip Energies are now among the 22 corporate partners that make up the airline's The United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight FundSM, a first-of-its-kind effort to reduce emissions and drive production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) through investments in startups.

These corporate partners make up all parts of the aviation supply chain – airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, fuel producers, engineering and technology experts, financiers, travel management and more – and have now committed more than $200 million while collaborating to provide strategic expertise to help the Fund's portfolio companies reach commercialization.

Since its inception in February 2023, the Fund remains aviation's first and only venture fund backed by a broad limited partner base and created to identify and support startups advancing feedstock and technology development focused on increasing the supply of SAF.

The airline has included a way for everyday consumers to participate as well. Anyone using United.com or the United app has an option to contribute to supplement United's investment in the UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM before check-out. Users have the choice to contribute $1, $3.50 or $7.00.1 Continuing in the effort toward climate transparency for our customers, United also now shows an estimated carbon emission for flights booked through United.com or the United app. In less than 12 months, more than 115,000 people have contributed nearly $500,000 since February 2023.

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone. To date, United has invested in the future production of over five billion gallons of SAF - the most of any airline in the world.2

"SAF is the best tool we have to decarbonize aeroplanes, but we don't have enough of it. To create the fuel supply we need for our fleet, United recognized that we would have to help build a brand-new industry from scratch – like wind and solar in previous decades," said Andrew Chang, Managing Director of United Airlines Ventures. "As part of our effort to build a new sustainable aviation ecosystem, we recruited a group of partners with the industry expertise to support our startups with both financial and strategic capital, to help them navigate the entire process from conception to commercialization."

UAV Sustainable Flight Fund

Inclusion of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in EU's Net-Zero Industry Act only the first step in developing world leading SAF industry in Europe

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) key to reaching net zero

European aviation industry hails the inclusion of SAF as a strategic decarbonisation technology in the EU’s Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA)

This is a prerequisite to pave the way towards the development of a strong, globally competitive EU SAF market, which in turn will be crucial in delivering on the updated EU 2040 climate ambitions

But further action by policymakers is needed

Reacting to the inclusion of SAF as a ‘strategic net zero technology’ under the EU Net Zero Industry Act, the five leading European aviation associations representing Europe’s airlines, airports, civil aeronautics industry and air navigation service providers - which are close partners through the DESTINATION 2050 alliance - are calling on EU policymakers to go further to ensure Europe develops a world leading SAF industry that will be crucial for European aviation to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in line with EU climate ambitions.

The inclusion of SAF in the NZIA is all the more timely following the release of the EU's recommendation to update the 2040 climate targets this week. The European Commission’s communication recommending the new target expressly recognised the need to address barriers to SAF deployment at scale, giving the aviation sector priority access to feedstocks and putting incentives in place to close the price gap between SAF and conventional kerosene. SAFs are a crucial component that will enable European aviation to accelerate its decarbonisation, in full alignment with the bloc’s ambitious climate agenda.

The international race to become a SAF leader has started and further policy incentives to scale up the production and uptake are required for Europe to become a leader in the global competition for SAF. These include the extension of the SAF flexibility mechanism beyond 2034; the extension of the current 20 million allowances threshold and 2030 time-limit under the SAF allowances mechanisms; increased financial support for development of SAF, including through the Innovation Fund, as well as simplifying the administrative procedure for accessing these funds.

Bumper January for Norwegian..........1,138,621 passengers travel with the airline

In January, the European budget carrier Norwegian Air Shuttle carried 1,138,621 passengers, securing a load factor of 83.1%.  The capacity (ASK) was 1,820 million seat kilometres, down 3 percent from the same period last year. Actual passenger traffic (RPK) was 1,512 million seat kilometres. In January, Norwegian operated an average of 63 aircraft with a regularity, meaning the share of scheduled flights taking place, of 99.0 percent. Punctuality was affected by the severe winter weather and the share of flights departing within 15 minutes of scheduled time was 76.7 percent.

“Our operations during the winter season are affected by seasonal weather and particular winter storms. I would like to give thanks to the tireless effort of our colleagues, who have ensured that our disruptions are kept to a minimum, to the benefit of our many customers,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

Meanwhile, Norwegian's recent purchase - Widerøe welcomed 246,326 passengers during the month, taking the Norwegian Group's total number of passengers to 1,384,947.  

"For the first time, our traffic figures include those of Widerøe, and in total, Norwegian and Widerøe had 1.4 million passengers on board in the first month of the year. For Norwegian, it is very positive that the load factor increased by five percentage points compared to January last year. Demand to beach destinations continues to perform in the high-end of our expectations with many of our customers opting for some warmer Mediterranean weather," said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

For 2024, Norwegian has hedged jet fuel corresponding to approximately 50% of projected consumption at levels close to current forward prices.

In December, the Norwegian Competition Authority approved Norwegian’s acquisition of Widerøe, and the transaction was completed 12 January. Work has already begun to ensure that organisations deliver on shared goals with the aim of delivering better overall customer offerings with seamless travel and increased travel options. One example involves the changing of Norwegian’s ground handling provider to Widerøe Ground Handling, which took effect from 1 February at many airports across Norway.

The above report on the monthly traffic numbers now also includes numbers from Widerøe which is attached on page two. Widerøe increased its production in January with 4 percent compared with the same period last year, while the number of passengers increased with 8 percent. The load factor was up 3 percentage points.

Many industry commentators are wondering what Norwegian's long-term strategy after the company recently invested in Norsk e-Fuel, which will establish what could be the world's first large-scale production facility for electrofuel. The fossil-free jet fuel will be produced at a plant in Mosjøen in Nordland. The partnership will give Norwegian early access to essential fossil-free aviation fuels.

World's First Alcohol-to-Jet Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production Facility

LanzaJet, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and sustainable fuels producer, has joined government officials, industry leaders, and investors to celebrate the grand opening of LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels in Soperton, Georgia.

Freedom Pines Fuels is the world's first alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) SAF production facility and will begin producing 10 million gallons of SAF and renewable diesel per year from ethanol, using a range of sustainable, low carbon intensity ethanol, including from waste-based feedstocks, to substantially increase the amount of current SAF production in the United States.

"Today is testament to the conviction required by industry, government, and funders to advance innovation and stretch the boundaries of what is achievable to address decarbonization and tackle climate change. This is a historic milestone in a long history of firsts for LanzaJet, the United States, and the SAF industry globally. Our novel LanzaJet ethanol to SAF process technology is now deployed at our commercial plant in Georgia which will convert ethanol into drop-in SAF. As we start-up the plant, we will continue to refine our technology, while launching our efforts to advance new sustainable fuels projects globally. Between feedstock versatility, efficiency, and economics that enable scale in the US and globally, we stand ready to meet aviation's decarbonization goals established at the United Nations and country ambitions, such as the U.S. SAF Grand Challenge."

LanzaJet CEO Jimmy Samartzis said: "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to harnessing the full potential of SAF as we continue to build a strong economy that is sustainable, resilient, competitive, and keeps rural places thriving. As we transition to SAF, this will not only create new climate smart commodity markets for American producers, but it will also help American companies such as LanzaJet corner the market of a valuable, emerging industry, while revitalizing rural communities like Soperton with agriculture front and center in the effort. LanzaJet's facility will help accelerate the SAF industry and provide new economic opportunities for producers for a more sustainable future."

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack commented:   "LanzaJet has reached a momentous milestone with the grand opening of a first of its kind sustainable aviation fuel plant right here in Georgia, continuing to take our state's clean energy economy to greater heights. I am thrilled to see the Inflation Reduction Act's clean energy investments in action, particularly the provisions from the AERO Act, a bill I introduced and championed to boost sustainable aviation fuel production and bring more clean energy jobs to Georgia. Georgia's emerging clean energy economy is making it clear that we do not have to choose between our ecology and our economy."

U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock said:  "I join Secretary Vilsack, Deputy Secretary Turk, Senator Warnock, Mayor Koon, Chairman Jennings, and local leaders in congratulating LanzaJet on this important milestone and their innovative efforts to make aviation more sustainable."

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff commented:  "In the No. 1 state for business, innovators such as LanzaJet are finding the resources and support they need to grow and thrive alongside communities such as Soperton. Today's grand opening is another milestone in Georgia's emergence as a national leader in industries such as aerospace and innovation that are bringing unprecedented jobs and investment to all four corners of the state."

Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp said: "SAF will play a critical role in meeting our net zero targets and especially in reducing aviation's emissions this decade. It is the only viable solution for long-haul flights. Today's opening is a true milestone in the development and commercial production of SAF using LanzaJet's ethanol to SAF process technology. This project acts as the blueprint for using this innovative technology right here in the UK, starting with Project Speedbird, and shows how quickly the US is moving ahead. We must continue to work with the UK Government to encourage investors to put money into SAF production and meet its own targets of having five commercial-scale SAF plants under construction in the UK by 2025. The Government has already started on this journey, and we welcome this, but what we need now is pace."

Sean Doyle, Chairman and CEO, British Airways stated:  "The LanzaJet ethanol-to-jet fuel plant in the US is a demonstration of how government support and investment in green technologies can help make aviation more sustainable. At IAG, we look forward to bringing LanzaJet's technology to the UK, with Nova Pangaea, to help the UK meet its target of five Sustainable Aviation Fuel plants in construction by 2025."

Luis Gallego, CEO, International Airlines Group (IAG) said:  "LanzaJet Freedom Pines Fuels is proof of the energy transition accelerating in real time. We are demonstrating the ability to establish secure supply chains domestically, create new jobs locally, and produce sustainable aviation fuel globally. This historic facility is an important pillar of a growing SAF economy in the United States and is a significant decarbonization milestone in the world."

Jennifer Holmgren, LanzaJet Board Director and Chief Executive Officer, LanzaTech commented:  "It is a great pleasure to hear about the remarkable progress that LanzaJet has achieved with their first commercial plant despite the challenging business environment. Mitsui will continue collaborating with all stakeholders to support LanzaJet's activities and is extremely proud to be a part of such a strong partnership. We believe this new facility will demonstrate the robustness of LanzaJet's innovative ATJ technology, and Mitsui aims to develop commercial projects with partners around the globe to contribute to creating sustainable futures."

OXCCU Hires Andrew Waters as Head of Commercial

OXCCU, a leading technology startup who are shaping the future of sustainable fuel, chemical and plastic production, appoints Andrew Waters as their new Head of Commercial. With over 10 years of experience in the chemicals and fuels sector, coupled with expertise in strategy execution, senior management, and market analysis, Andrew Waters will play a crucial role in leading the commercial operations and growth of OXCCU.

Prior to joining OXCCU, Andrew Waters had diverse experiences in the chemical, biochemical and oil and gas industries. He was employed at Johnson Matthey for ten years in a variety of technical and commercial leadership roles, including managing a portfolio of licensed technologies and catalysts. He also worked for the UK Government as the Head of Chemicals for the Department for Business and Trade (previously DIT) promoting investment into the UK chemicals sector and helping UK chemical companies to export. 

Norwegian becomes co-owner of Norsk e-Fuel

Norwegian is now a shareholder in Norsk e-Fuel. The company will establish what could be the world's first large-scale production facility for electrofuel. The fossil-free jet fuel will be produced at a plant in Mosjøen in Nordland. The partnership will give Norwegian early access to essential fossil-free aviation fuels.

In 2023, Norwegian and Norsk e-Fuel signed a strategic partnership agreement to build the world's first large-scale production facility for electrofuel in Mosjøen, northern Norway. Electrofuel, often called e-fuel, is a fossil-free aviation fuel that can be used in today's aircraft. The partnership is an important milestone towards Norwegian's goal of reducing emission by 45 percent by 2030.

"This agreement marks the start of a pioneering partnership that will accelerate the transition to fossil-free fuels in aviation and give us access to a product that will be available in limited quantities. Increased production of this type of fuel is essential in the years to come if we are to succeed in the transition to more sustainable aviation. I am very pleased that we have the resources, expertise and technology to do this with Norsk e-Fuel in Norway, and that together we can contribute to the development of a new industry in Norway and create local jobs, said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.

eFuels leader Infinium receives $75 million equity commitment from Breakthrough Energy Catalyst for investment in Project Roadrunner

The investment will enable the availability of SAF under an innovative fuel offtake agreement with American Airlines, with financial support from Citi

Infinium and Breakthrough Energy Catalyst announced this week, a $75 million project equity investment commitment to support Infinium’s Project Roadrunner, subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. Project Roadrunner will convert waste carbon dioxide (CO2) and renewable power into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low-carbon fuels. This first-of-a-kind commercial-scale Power-to-Liquids (PtL) eFuels facility is expected to be the largest PtL eFuels project in North America once operational. Breakthrough Energy Catalyst funds and invests in first-of-a-kind projects that support the deployment of emerging climate technologies to reduce emissions and accelerate the clean energy transition. This commitment represents Catalyst’s first equity investment to date.

Project Roadrunner, located in West Texas, will convert an existing brownfield gas-to-liquids project into a fully integrated eFuels facility that will deliver products into both U.S. and international markets. It will primarily produce Infinium eSAF, a sustainable aviation fuel with the potential to significantly reduce the lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) associated with air travel. PtL SAF is expected to reduce lifecycle GHG emissions in aviation by around 90 percent, which is higher than the emissions reductions achieved using SAF on the market today. Project Roadrunner will also produce Infinium eNaphtha for use in plastics manufacturing and Infinium eDiesel for use in hard-to-electrify transportation methods, such as long-haul trucking and maritime applications.

Transatlantic SAF powered flight success....

Virgin Atlantic has operated a flight between London Heathrow and New York JFK today flying with 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) marking the culmination of a year of radical collaboration, demonstrating the capability of SAF as a safe replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel. The Boeing 787 touched down a little after 19:04 this evening. 

SAF has a significant role to play in the decarbonization of long-haul aviation, and pathway to Net Zero 2050. The fuel, made from waste products, delivers CO2 lifecycle emissions savings of up to 70%, whilst performing like the traditional jet fuel it replaces.

While other technologies such as electric and hydrogen remain decades away, SAF can be used now. Today, SAF represents less than 0.1% of global jet fuel volumes and fuel standards allow for just a 50% SAF blend in commercial jet engines. Virgin Flight VIR100 will prove that the challenge of scaling up production is one of policy and investment, and industry and government must move quickly to create a thriving UK SAF industry.

As well as proving the capabilities of SAF, Flight100 will assess how its use affects the flight's non-carbon emissions with the support of consortium partners ICF, Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), Imperial College London and the University of Sheffield. The research will improve scientific understanding of the effects of SAF on contrails and particulates and help to implement contrail forecasts in the flight planning process. Data and research will be shared with industry, and Virgin Atlantic will continue its involvement with contrail work through RMI's Climate Impact Task Force, which is part-funded by Virgin Unite.

The SAF used on Flight VIR100 was a unique dual blend; 88% HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) supplied by AirBP and 12% SAK (Synthetic Aromatic Kerosene) supplied by Virent, a subsidiary of Marathon Petroleum Corporation. The HEFA is made from waste fats while the SAK is made from plant sugars, with the remainder of plant proteins, oil and fibres continuing into the food chain. SAK is needed in 100% SAF blends to give the fuel the required aromatics for engine function. To achieve Net Zero 2050, the innovation and investment needed across all available feedstocks and technologies must be harnessed to maximize SAF volumes as well as continuing the research and development needed to bring new zero-emission aircraft to market. 

Shai Weiss, Chief Executive Officer, of Virgin Atlantic said: "Flight100 proves that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be used as a safe, drop-in replacement for fossil-derived jet fuel and it's the only viable solution for decarbonizing long-haul aviation. It's taken radical collaboration to get here and we're proud to have reached this important milestone, but we need to push further. There is simply not enough SAF and it's clear that in order to reach production at scale, we need to see significantly more investment. This will only happen when regulatory certainty and price support mechanisms, backed by the government, are in place. Flight100 proves that if you make it, we'll fly it."

Sir Richard Branson, Founder, of Virgin Atlantic said: "The world will always assume something can't be done, until you do it. The spirit of innovation is getting out there and trying to prove that we can do things better for everyone's benefit. Virgin Atlantic has been challenging the status quo and pushing the aviation industry to never settle and do better since 1984. Fast forward nearly 40 years, that pioneering spirit continues to be Virgin Atlantic's beating heart as it pushes the boundaries from carbon fibre aircraft and fleet upgrades to sustainable fuels.

I couldn't be prouder to be onboard Flight100 today alongside the teams at Virgin Atlantic and our partners, which have been working together to set the flight path for the decarbonization of long-haul aviation."

UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "Today's historic flight, powered by 100% sustainable aviation fuel, shows how we can both decarbonize transport and enable passengers to keep flying when and where they want.   This Government has backed today's flight to take-off and we will continue to support the UK's emerging SAF industry as it creates jobs, grows the economy and gets us to Jet Zero."

Dame Karen Pierce, His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States said: "This world first marks a crucial step in the UK's journey towards Jet Zero aviation emissions.

We look forward to continuing our close work alongside the US to increase the use of this pioneering fuel as we welcome the sustainable flights of the future."

Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Rick Cotton said: "As part of our agency-wide goal to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, the Port Authority strongly encourages and supports efforts by our airport stakeholders to reduce their carbon footprint and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We are thrilled to welcome the first transatlantic flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel into John F. Kennedy International Airport and hope that the success of Virgin Atlantic's flight to New York will inspire the entire airport community to move forward with aggressive sustainability efforts."

Sheila Remes, Vice President of Environmental Sustainability, Boeing said: "In 2008 Virgin Atlantic and Boeing completed the first commercial SAF test flight on a 747 and today we will accomplish yet another significant milestone utilizing a 787 Dreamliner. This flight is a key step toward our commitment to deliver 100% SAF-compatible aeroplanes by 2030. As we work toward the civil aviation industry's net-zero goal, today's historic journey highlights what we can achieve together."

Simon Burr, Group Director of Engineering, Technology & Safety, Rolls-Royce plc, said: "We are incredibly proud that our Trent 1000 engines are powering the first ever widebody flight using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel across the Atlantic today. Rolls-Royce has recently completed compatibility testing of 100% SAF on all our in-production civil aero engine types and this is further proof that there are no engine technology barriers to the use of 100% SAF. The flight represents a major milestone for the entire aviation industry in its journey towards net zero carbon emissions."

Despite the joy of this milestone flight, SAF like this is not the only answer to a future of aviation that is harmless to the environment.  There isn't enough SAF around at the moment to power even a full 1% of flights operating this year.  Then, of course, you have to consider the energy used in the creation of SAF, the oil in the first place and the transportation of such raw products. There are many campaigners who offer the opinion that growing crops specifically to be converted to fuel would damage biodiversity as well as cause a mass of deforestation which would make it equally as bad as fossil fuels.  The Royal Society reports that the energy crops considered – rapeseed, miscanthus, and poplar wood – would require more than 50 per cent of the UK’s available agricultural land to replace aviation fuel completely.

Emirates joins UAE-based research consortium for renewable and advanced aviation fuels

The consortium, Air-CRAFT, is supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, and comprises eight founding entities: ADNOC, Boeing, Emirates, ENOC Group, Etihad, Honeywell, Khalifa University, Masdar.

                                   In the UAE Year of Sustainability, and at the 3rd ICAO Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) was held in Dubai, eight founding entities announced the launch of the “Air-CRAFT” initiative - a UAE based research consortium focused on developing, producing, and scaling sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) technologies.

Air-CRAFT, or the UAE Centre for Renewable and Advanced Fuel Technologies for Aviation, is a first-of-its-kind initiative that will bring together entities across the value chain – industrial policy makers, aviation regulators, fuel producers, academia and researchers, aircraft and powerplant manufacturers, and airline operators. While based in the UAE, the consortium will also engage with, and welcome the participation of relevant international entities as it progresses. The new initiative was announced on the sidelines of CAAF/3 today and ahead of COP28. 

Air-CRAFT is supported by the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. “The aviation sector holds great importance as a key contributor to the GDP and as a target sector for our robust decarbonization drive,” said His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. “The UAE has committed to reaching net zero by 2050, and this goal can only be achieved by slashing the emissions across the board. Air-CRAFT will go a long way in supporting the decarbonization of the aviation sector, helping to make it resilient and sustainable well into the future.”

His Excellency Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the UAE and Chairman of the GCAA said: Introducing 'Air-CRAFT' at CAAF3 in Dubai emphasizes the UAE's commitment to accelerate sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production, uniting government, private sector, and academia for a collective push toward sustainable aviation practice”. Bin Touq adds, “Aligned with the net-zero emissions goal by 2050, this consortium, the largest and most unique in the SAF industry, represents a substantial stride towards greener aviation future, and we look forward to making a significant positive impact through it”.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada and Gulfstream successfully complete first 100% SAF transatlantic flight with G600 business jet powered by PW800 engines

Pioneering flight supports the aviation industry's goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions

Pratt & Whitney Canada and Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. has announced the successful completion of the first transatlantic flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with both PW815GA engines on a Gulfstream business jet. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX business.

"Collaborating with airframe manufacturers such as Gulfstream is an important part of our long-standing efforts to ensure SAF compatibility across all our engines, which have already been certified to operate with up to 50% SAF blends for more than a decade," said Anthony Rossi, vice president of Sales & Marketing at Pratt & Whitney Canada. "With this transatlantic flight, we are effectively demonstrating both engine and aircraft functionality in a fully operational setting to support future specifications for 100% SAF, which will be critical to achieving a more sustainable future of net-zero CO2 emissions for aviation in the decades ahead. Future 100% SAF operational approval will add to the versatility, reliability, and fuel efficiency of the PW815GA engine to benefit Gulfstream and our customers."

OXCCU scores £2.8 Million UK Government grant to scale sustainable aviation fuel production

OXCCU secures share of UK government investment to transform carbon dioxide into sustainable aviation fuel 

OXCCU, a leading carbon-to-value company converting carbon dioxide and hydrogen into industrial and consumer products, has won a £2.8 million grant along with the University of Sheffield Translational Energy Research Centre (TERC) and Coryton. The capital will be used to demonstrate the world’s first direct carbon dioxide (CO2) hydrogenation process, turning CO2  directly into aviation fuel range hydrocarbons, also known as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).    

The project presents a novel approach to SAF production, directly converting CO2  and hydrogen (H2) to hydrocarbons - essentially creating jet fuel from thin air. OXCCU technology means that this traditionally multi-step process has been simplified to just a single step. A truly British innovation, the reactor will be located at the TERC and fed with biogenic CO2  captured from biomass combustion and H2  produced on site from electrolysis using green electricity. The fuel is then blended via Coryton to produce a fuel of Jet A-1 specification. 

As part of its aim to cement the UK’s status as a world leader in SAF, last month the UK Government announced new measures to support the industry, with a revenue certainty scheme to boost uptake and help create jobs. The Government has committed to having at least five commercial SAF plants under construction in the UK by 2025, viewing low or zero emission technologies as key to sustainability and net zero targets. 

Aviation still needs hydrocarbons but to achieve net zero, they need to be created without the use of fossil fuels. Traditional biofuels have well-known issues with scale due to limited feedstocks. In contrast, e-fuels or synthetic fuels based on CO2 have enormous potential to scale with fewer feedstock constraints but face challenges due to cost. OXCCU's patented technology consolidates the traditional e-hydrocarbons production process from two-steps, Reverse Water Gas Shift (RWGS) then Fischer-Tropsch, to a one-step direct hydrogenation process. This offers a radically cost-effective solution and opens up intriguing opportunities for the future of commercial aviation.

OXCCU CEO Andrew Symes said: “We’re proud to be part of the UK’s journey to cement itself as a leader in clean aviation and to help scale world-first technologies in sustainable aviation fuel. This new investment from the AFF will be a welcome contribution to our efforts to help the industry meet the high targets it has set.”

Available to customers as OXEFUEL, OXCCU’s sustainable aviation fuel is created by combining captured carbon dioxide and renewably-sourced green hydrogen through a novel iron-based catalyst, resulting in a more cost-effective and decarbonized alternative to fossil-based Jet A fuel for commercial airlines. Modelling completed by independent researchers from Imperial College London, through Imperial Consultants, has shown OXCCU’s one-step process significantly reduces SAF cost due to higher selectivity yield in the jet fuel range and a 50% lower capital cost.