Airbus to trial in-flight auxiliary power entirely generated by hydrogen

Airbus to trial in-flight auxiliary power entirely generated
by hydrogen

Using hydrogen fuel cells to explore the power balance between engines and APU

Airbus UpNext has launched a new demonstrator programme to explore, on the ground and in flight, a new architecture for the generation of non-propulsive energy through the use of hydrogen fuel cells.

On conventional airliners, the APU (Auxiliary Power Unit), a small additional engine that runs on traditional jet fuel, provides together with the engines the energy required to power a number of non-propulsive aircraft functions, such as air conditioning, onboard lighting and electric power for avionics. With this new technology demonstrator, led from its facilities in Spain, Airbus UpNext will replace the actual APU of an A330 with a hydrogen fuel cell system that will generate electricity. Known as HyPower, the hydrogen fuel cell demonstrator also aims to reduce the emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and noise levels associated with a traditional APU.

New design features and integration techniques will also contribute to maturing the safety and operations of future hydrogen-powered aircraft and will demonstrate the stable operation of a fuel cell in-flight, including its restart.

“These tests will mark a new step in our decarbonisation journey and ZEROe programme through an ambitious flight demonstration that will take to the air by end 2025,” said Michael Augello, CEO of Airbus UpNext. “We want to demonstrate the operability and integration of the system, including refuelling the aircraft with hydrogen. We will demonstrate this system in realistic conditions, climbing to 25,000 ft and flying for one hour with 10kg of gaseous hydrogen on board. However, we cannot do this alone and our cooperation with the Spanish Government and external partners will be key enablers of this series of tests.”

The flight test campaign will utilise a modified Airbus A330 and a ground test bed of the system. Airbus UpNext will procure a production unit for renewable hydrogen to fulfil the entire need for the test campaign.

Airbus UpNext - Innovation Ecosystem - Airbus

Canada invests $350 million in national sustainable aviation innovation network

Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology of Canada will support the green transformation of the aerospace industry  This week, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced an investment of $350 million to support Canada's new Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) aimed at accelerating the green industrial transformation of the aerospace industry. This investment, via the Strategic Innovation Fund, will establish a pan-Canadian, industry-led aerospace network focused on funding collaborative research and development projects with companies of all sizes across the Canadian supply chain, from coast to coast to coast. Projects will focus on four key technology areas: hybrid and alternative propulsion; aircraft architecture and systems integration; transition to alternative fuels; and aircraft support infrastructure and operations. Today's announcement is in direct response to the main recommendation stemming from consultations led by the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada involving over 450 industry representatives and other stakeholders nationwide. The aerospace industry is one of the most innovative and export-driven sectors in Canada, contributing close to $27 billion and more than 210,000 jobs to the economy. In partnership with the aerospace industry and in line with Canada's Aviation Climate Action Plan, the federal government is committed to taking concrete action that will foster innovation, bolster competitiveness and position Canada as a global leader in sustainable aviation.

Seven of the world's major aviation manufacturers' chief technology officers join together to call for global measures for the increase the supply of sustainable aviation fuel....

Seven of the world's major aviation manufacturers' chief technology officers have issued a joint statement calling for harmonized global measures regarding an increase supply of sustainable aviation fuel.

Over a decade ago the aviation industry was the first global sector to set ambitious emission reduction goals. Today, we come together again to support the industry's commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions for civil aviation by 2050 and to highlight the importance of the production, distribution, and availability of qualified Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) needed to achieve this goal. The development of fuel-efficient aircraft technologies has been a priority for the aviation industry for over 50 years and remains a priority. Greater uptake of SAF would mitigate the projected growth in aviation CO2 emissions as the customer demand for global air travel increases.

Our companies are steadfast in delivering the technical solutions required to reduce the carbon emissions of the air transportation sector through our work in three key areas:

Developing advanced aircraft and propulsion technologies that enable net-zero carbon emissions while maintaining the safety and quality standards of our industry  

Implementing improvements in aircraft operations and infrastructure  

Supporting policies and measures that accelerate the availability and adoption of qualified SAF.    

Increasing the production and utilization of SAF is a critical step for achieving the air transportation sector's net zero CO2 emissions goal by 2050. However, the production of SAF is currently estimated at less than 0.1% of the global demand for jet fuel today. Moreover, SAF prices are typically two to five times higher than the price of conventional jet fuel. The supply is further constrained by competition for renewable fuels from other sectors that have alternative decarbonization options, such as with surface transportation and heating.

Neste enables Cargolux to become the first airline to use sustainable aviation fuel at Luxembourg Airport

Cargolux became the first airline to uplift sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at Luxembourg Airport with the use of the fuel on a celebratory cargo flight. Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ was supplied to the airport’s fuel storage using NATO’s Central European Pipeline System (CEPS) in cooperation with World Fuel Services and supported by Luxembourg Airport.

Cargolux used Neste’s SAF to operate a celebratory cargo flight from Luxembourg to Zhengzhou, the airline’s biggest hub in mainland China, marking the upcoming 10-year anniversary since Cargolux first started operating services to Zhengzhou in 2014. 

The cooperation between the four companies highlights the importance of strong partnerships contributing to the aviation industry’s net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. Sustainable aviation fuel is a key lever to meeting this target, and using existing fuel infrastructure will accelerate the availability of SAF at airports across the globe.

“This initiative marks a first for all involved, and I am proud of the smooth process we witnessed throughout from delivery to uplift. This is a milestone in Cargolux’s sustainable engagement and a significant step in our ambitious carbon reduction roadmap. We look forward to continuing this journey in collaboration with lux-Airport, World Fuel Services and Neste, with whom we share a common vision for a sustainable industry,” states Richard Forson, Cargolux President & CEO. 

“We are excited to supply our Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel for this celebratory Cargolux cargo flight from Luxembourg Airport in cooperation with World Fuel Services. It is a great example of collaboration with partners across aviation’s value chain to make SAF available. It builds on earlier deliveries of Neste’s SAF to Cargolux at Amsterdam Airport and previous deliveries of SAF to airports via the CEPS pipeline system. It also highlights the importance of joint efforts in making more sustainable fuel options available at airports,” says Alexander Kueper, Vice President EMEA from the Renewable Aviation business unit at Neste.

European aviation industry calls for swift adoption of ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation

Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) key to reaching Net Zero

Sustainable aviation is a shared goal across societies, industries and economies. It is right and proper that this crucial debate is had, and is had publicly. In light of scrutiny of the issue over the past few days, the five leading European aviation associations which are close partners in the Destination 2050 decarbonisation roadmap – A4E, ACI EUROPE, ASD, CANSO, and ERA – are reconfirming their support for the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation. In doing so, they are also urging member states to unstick the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation and begin making Europe a leader in SAF production worldwide. 

Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) play a decisive role in the decarbonisation roadmap to which the sector has committed. 

The international race for SAF leadership has started and EU investors and industrial partners are waiting for a strong policy signal from the legislators to unleash their investments. The EU institutions cannot afford to delay further their decision and the EU to be left behind in terms of decarbonisation and competitiveness. Accelerating the take-up of renewables over the next decade is key to enabling the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy and meeting the EU climate objectives. 

Menzies Aviation expands partnership with i6, bringing innovative fuel management tech to more UK airports

Leading ground handling and services operator Menzies Aviation has extended its partnership with i6, a leader in digital fuel management technology, to four additional UK airports, including London Stansted, Leeds Bradford, Birmingham and Teesside International.

Menzies is the world’s largest independent into-plane fuelling provider and has been working with the i6 Group for over five years, utilising i6 technology at numerous airports across the world such as Los Angeles, Orlando (Florida), McCarran (Las Vegas), London Heathrow, and Liverpool.

The secure technology enhances real-time operations across airport fuel supply chains, maximising efficiency while providing accurate data and digitised, paperless operations.

Technology being deployed at the four additional UK airports in conjunction with Menzies includes Fusion6, an into-plane refuelling platform, and Reconcile6, a fuel inventory management platform. Together, they offer a range of benefits such as saving operational costs, improving safety, and providing real-time refuelling information and fuel optimisation.

The innovative Fusion6 platform integrates live data from airports and airlines, providing full remote visibility of ground fuelling operations – ensuring the refueller is always in the right place at the right time. Reconcile6 is used to track the movement of fuel across the airport supply chain, offering real-time inventory management, fuel stock accounting, and reconciliation.

Masdar and Airbus sign agreement to support development and growth of global sustainable aviation fuel market

Masdar and Airbus signed an agreement to support the development and growth of the global sustainable aviation fuel market.....

Use of sustainable aviation fuel is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 percent compared to existing jet fuel....

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar, one of the world's leading clean energy companies, has signed an agreement with Airbus, the largest aeronautics and space company in Europe and a worldwide leader to support the development and growth of the global sustainable aviation fuel market.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Chairman of Masdar and COP28 President-Designate, Guillaume Faury, Chief Executive Officer, Airbus, and Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer, Masdar. The agreement was signed by Mohammad Abdelqader El Ramahi, Chief Green Hydrogen Officer, Masdar and Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East.

The agreement highlights areas of collaboration between the two companies, including Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), Green Hydrogen, Direct Air Capture technologies, as well as supporting the development and implementation of 'book and claim' solutions.    

Direct Air Capture technologies enable the capturing of atmospheric CO2 which could, in combination with Hydrogen be used to produce synthetic SAF. The use of SAF based on Green Hydrogen and Direct Air Capture is estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95 percent when compared to conventional jet fuel with the global sustainable aviation fuel market expected to grow to over US$14bn by 2032, according to Precedence Research.

Gstaad Palace becomes the first hotel to purchase sustainable aviation fuel for all its SWISS business travel

SWISS and the Gstaad Palace luxury Swiss hotel are embarking on a pioneering new partnership under which the Gstaad Palace becomes the first five-star-superior hotel to procure sustainable fuel for all its SWISS business travel. In doing so, the Gstaad Palace is not only reducing the CO2 emissions generated by its business travel: it is also helping substantially to promote the use and further development of sustainable fuels.

Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) and the Gstaad Palace luxury Swiss hotel are embarking on a pioneering new partnership. Under their new accord, the Gstaad Palace will now procure sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for all its business travel on SWISS. The Gstaad Palace thus becomes the first hotel of its kind to commit to using solely SAF for all its business air travel.

“The Gstaad Palace and SWISS are reputed premium brands that are both committed not only to top-quality service but to sustainability, too,” says SWISS CEO Dieter Vranckx. “I’m delighted that our new collaboration brings the desire to make travel more sustainable a further key step forward. In committing to these actions, the Gstaad Palace is playing a truly pioneering role. And we hope at SWISS that many further companies will follow its example.”

Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator flight-test programme

U.S. plane maker Boeing is expanding its ecoDemonstrator flight-test programme to further accelerate innovation for sustainability and safety. 

The company recently announced its 2023 plan to assess 19 technologies on the Boeing 777 ecoDemonstrator, while also adding "Explorer" aeroplanes that will focus tests on specific technologies.

The first ecoDemonstrator Explorer, a 787-10 Dreamliner, will conduct flight tests in June from Seattle to Tokyo, Singapore and Bangkok to demonstrate how coordinating navigation across global airspace jurisdictions can improve operational efficiency, which can reduce an aeroplane's fuel use and emissions by up to 10%. Utilizing today's onboard capabilities, Boeing and air navigation service providers (ANSPs) in the U.S., Japan, Singapore and Thailand will collectively sequence the airplane's routes to achieve the optimal flight path across multiple regions, factoring in conditions such as weather, air traffic and airspace closures. The airplane will fly on the highest available blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at each location.

"To support our industry's goal for net zero carbon emissions by 2050, Boeing is expanding our ecoDemonstrator programme with Explorer airplanes to test even more sustainability-focused technologies," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We continue to invest in innovation that reduces fuel use, emissions and noise on our products and to partner with governments and industry to make progress on sustainability during each phase of flight."

"The industry will need continued fleet renewal, efficiency gains, renewable energy carriers such as sustainable aviation fuel and advanced technology to meet the civil aviation industry's commitment to achieve net zero carbon emission by 2050," said Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond. "Our initial Explorer testing in partnership with aviation stakeholders in four countries is a great example of how we can work together to optimize operational efficiency and reduce emissions."

In 2023, Boeing also will use its current flagship ecoDemonstrator airplane, a 777-200ER (Extended Range), to test 19 technologies including:

Sustainable wall panels in the cargo hold that are made of 40% recycled carbon fiber and 60% resin made from a bio-based feedstock

A fiber optic fuel quantity sensor compatible with 100% SAF

An Electronic Flight Bag application featuring Smart Airport Maps, a component of Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which reduces operational costs and supports safe taxi operations with the depiction of contextual airport data

For all flight tests, the airplane will fly on the highest available blend of SAF locally

Since its initial flights in 2012, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator programme has accelerated innovation by taking new technologies out of the lab and testing them in an operational environment. Including the 2023 plan, the programme will have tested about 250 technologies to help decarbonize aviation, improve operational efficiency and enhance safety and the passenger experience. Approximately a third of tested technologies have progressed onto Boeing's products and services.

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More information about the 2023 ecoDemonstrator and previous ecoDemonstrator airplanes is available at boeing.com/ecoDemonstrator

Building a hydrogen aeroplane.....KLM starts collaboration with AeroDelft student team.

On 1 April 2023, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines starts a collaboration with the AeroDelft student team to work on its Project Phoenix: building a hydrogen-powered aircraft. Developing and testing a hydrogen-powered aircraft will generate important insights into how hydrogen could be applied in aviation, including the design of liquid hydrogen tanks and crucial safety features. This puts KLM at the forefront of the development of new aviation technologies.

KLM and AeroDelft share the idea that air travel is essential for people and various sectors, but that innovation in aviation is vital. KLM is starting a collaboration with the AeroDelft student team in order to become part of various ecosystems around the technologies of the future, such as flying on hydrogen.

With this initiative, KLM and AeroDelft want to contribute to the development of hydrogen technology and the associated preconditions. This could include certification, regulations, and infrastructure. The technologies currently under development still face many challenges, such as the distribution and transport of liquid hydrogen.

About Project Phoenix

The aim of AeroDelft's Project Phoenix is to build a hydrogen-powered aircraft. The project involves developing a drone, the Phoenix-Prototype, which will serve as a steppingstone in the development of the first, manned, liquid hydrogen-electric aircraft, the Phoenix Full-Scale.

The Phoenix Prototype runs on an electric motor powered by liquid hydrogen and fuel cell technology. The drone has already completed its first flight, making an important contribution to AeroDelft's experience with hydrogen-powered flying. This involved testing whether the drone could fly on liquid hydrogen and if it could be controlled from the ground.

Vmo Aircraft Leasing and H55 to collaborate on developing leasing programmes for electric aircraft

Vmo Aircraft Leasing and H55, an innovator in the field of electric propulsion technology for aviation, announced against the backdrop of the Revolution Aero Dublin 2023 conference their commitment to working together to develop leasing solutions for new clean aviation products.

As part of the envisaged collaboration, teams from both companies are engaged in providing leasing programs targeted to support the nascent market for financing electric aircraft, battery storage energy and management systems.

Vmo and H55 share the same vision: reducing the air transport industry’s environmental footprint and enabling it to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Vmo provides liquidity and fleet solutions to airlines, lessors and OEMs, with the goal of increasing operational and capital efficiency. H55 is uniquely positioned with its product and service offerings, combining propulsion, energy storage and management, controls, and integration services. With H55’s 20 years of experience in electric aviation (well advanced in terms of reaching certification) and Vmo’s decades of expertise in aircraft leasing, this partnership brings together complementary competencies and has all the right prerequisites for accelerating the adoption of clean aviation technologies.

“Technology and innovation are rapidly changing the aviation industry’s landscape, with emission-free aircraft designs on track to revolutionize airline fleets. With the giant addressable market, lessors will play a key role in financing electric and hybrid-electric aircraft,” said Robert Brown, Executive Chairman of Vmo Aircraft Leasing. “We’re thrilled to be at the forefront of this exciting industry development. Working together with H55 to explore bespoke leasing models will enable us to pursue fast-growing business opportunities in the burgeoning field of clean aviation technologies and bolster our leadership position with regards to sustainability.”

Air Canada buys 9.5 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel

Sustainable Aviation Fuel - SAF is a core pillar of airline's Climate Action Plan

9.5 million litres of SAF will generate GHG reductions equaling approximately 23,500 tonnes of CO2e calculated with a full life cycle assessment

Equivalent of GHG emissions absorbed by 28,000 acres of forest in one year

Air Canada marks Earth Day by announcing the purchase of 9.5 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline continues advancing initiatives in its Climate Action Plan by strengthening its partnership with SAF producer, Neste, to power flights with Neste MY Sustainable Aviation FuelTM from San Francisco International Airport. The 9.5 million litres of SAF will generate GHG reductions of approximately 23,500 tonnes of CO2e calculated based on a full lifecycle assessment. The 23,500 tonnes of CO2e are equivalent to the annual GHG emissions absorbed by 28,000 acres of forest as per the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency equivalencies calculator.

At Air Canada, we have adopted a multifaceted approach to addressing climate change and sustainability. Environmental and social factors are incorporated into our strategic decisions, as are our fleet purchases and daily operations through our support of low-carbon alternatives. SAF comprises one of our core pillars in pursuing our net-zero emission targets. We have been purchasing Neste's SAF since February 2022. Today's announced purchase represents a five-fold increase in our SAF procurement year over year and is an important step towards our target of one per cent fuel to be SAF by 2025, supporting our journey towards our 2050 net zero decarbonization goals," said Michael Rousseau, President and CEO at Air Canada.

"Decarbonising aviation is more important than ever and Neste is committed to helping the aviation industry move towards a more sustainable future. We are proud to support Air Canada in working towards their ambitious goal of net-zero emissions from all its global operations by 2050 by supplying Neste's SAF which helps enable airlines to reduce their emissions. We look forward to continuing to work together as we increase our annual SAF production capability to 1.5 million tons per annum by the end of 2023," said Michael Sargeant, Vice President Americas from the Renewable Aviation business unit at Neste.

Through Air Canada's Leave Less Travel Program, corporate customers and cargo freight forwarders can purchase SAF, carbon offsets or a combination of both to offset or reduce GHG emissions related to business travel or cargo shipments, mitigating their carbon footprint. This program is one of the many comprehensive initiatives being implemented as part of Air Canada's Climate Action Plan.

Powering aircraft with SAF directly reduces GHG at the source. Sustainable aviation fuel provides an alternative to conventional, fossil-based jet fuel. It is widely recognized as a key lever towards achieving aviation's GHG emission reduction goals. Using Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ could reduce GHG emissions by up to 80%* over the fuel's life cycle, compared to conventional jet fuel.

Pakistan becomes key sponsor of Russian aggression in Ukraine with large oil order.

Photo by Natalya Letunova on Unsplash

Pakistan has placed its first order for discounted Russian crude oil under a deal struck between Islamabad and Moscow, the country's petroleum minister said, with one cargo to dock at the port of Karachi in May, reports Reuters.

Pakistan's purchase gives Russia a new outlet, adding to Moscow's growing sales to India and China, as it redirects oil from Western markets because of the Ukraine conflict.

As a long-standing Western ally and the arch-rival of neighbouring India, which historically is closer to Moscow, analysts say the crude deal would have been difficult for Pakistan to accept, but its financing needs are great.

As part of sanctions on Moscow, Western nations have imposed a $60 a barrel price cap on purchases of Russian oil to try to limit Russia's revenues for fighting in Ukraine.  India and China, however, have paid prices above the cap, according to traders and Reuters calculations.

Under the deal, Pakistan will buy only crude, not refined fuels, Minister Musadik Malik told Reuters late on Wednesday. Imports are expected to reach 100,000 barrels per day (bpd) if the first transaction goes through smoothly, he said. "Our orders are in, we have placed that already," he said. 

India, Pakistan and China are now the lead purchasers of Russian oil along with Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and UAE, thus becoming key sponsors of the Russian military in the war in Ukraine, following the illegal Russian invasion over 420 days ago. 

Reporting by Asif Shahzad

RAF Voyager refuels mid-air with Sustainable Aviation Fuel

Voyager aircraft powered by 43% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flies over the North Sea.

The aircraft used a blend of traditional fossil fuels and SAF such as cooking oil.

The flight marks the launch of a new aviation Net Zero Carbon roadmap for commercial aviation.

 

The Royal Air Force has successfully completed a Voyager air-to-air refuelling flight, powered by an approximately 43% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Flying from RAF Brize Norton, over the North Sea and via Farnborough on its return home, the Voyager aircraft also undertook air-to-air refuelling with Typhoons, as part of planned training.

Made from waste-based sustainable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, SAF reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel and will be key to reducing the RAF’s reliance on global supply chains and fossil fuels, while improving operational resilience.

This significant moment follows a series of recent milestones achieved by the RAF towards a sustainable aviation future, including the world first RAF Voyager flight fuelled by 100% SAF.

Defence Minister, Baroness Goldie said: “Greater use of alternative and sustainable fuel can only lead to positive outcomes for Defence, the United Kingdom, and our collective endeavour against climate change.

“This is not an easy undertaking by the RAF, but time and again we see that by working collaboratively with our partners across industry we can achieve crucial transformation.”

Part of a two-day industry led conference – Sustainable Skies World Summit - the flight marks the UK aviation industry publishing its updated aviation Net Zero Carbon roadmap outlining how commercial aviation will become more sustainable and commercially viable.

The annual event, hosted at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, brings together various partners from industry to showcase the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and support efforts moving towards the implementation phase of meeting its net zero commitment.

Supporting the RAF’s ambitions to be Net Zero by 2040, the Voyager flight was part of an existing task from the Chief of the Air Staff to gather the required data to inform the longer-term transition away from fossil fuels.

The RAF has identified that using SAF and alternative aviation fuels will be critical for the future operational capability of the RAF and wider military aviation.

The UK's SAF programme is already one of the most comprehensive in the world and supports our vision to set the UK up to be a global leader in the development, production, and use of SAF.

Supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, new aviation technologies and fuels provide huge opportunities for economic growth, delivering jobs and prosperity across the country.

European Parliament vote approving SAF allowances in EU ETS

European Parliament vote approving SAF allowances in EU ETS

is important step for aviation decarbonisation

The 20 million ‘SAF allowances’ passed in today’s ETS vote at the European Parliament are an important part in accelerating aviation’s decarbonisation. They will help stimulate and incentivise the rapid deployment of sustainable aviation fuels in Europe. Without them, the phase out of free ETS allowances by 2026, well before truly effective decarbonisation solutions will be available at scale, could negatively impact air transport. This is because the cost of compliance for the ETS will likely increase fivefold by 2025 to over EUR 5-6 billion annually which would impact ticket prices, route availability and ultimately connectivity. 

Therefore, now is the time for the EU to do everything it can to ramp up sustainable fuel production. Countries around the world, such as the USA through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), are willing to throw public funds behind sustainable fuels. This is placing the future competitiveness of European aviation and the European SAF industry at stake. 

Now more than ever, all revenues generated from ETS aviation allowances should:

 Contribute to lowering the price gap between conventional fuels and SAF

Fund R&D and innovation projects for low- and zero-carbon fuels and propulsion technologies;

Fund the scaling up and deployment of SAF

RAF Voyager refuels mid-air with Sustainable Aviation Fuel......

The Royal Air Force has successfully completed a Voyager air-to-air refuelling flight, powered by an approximately 43% blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

Voyager aircraft powered by 43% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) flies over North Sea.

The aircraft used a blend of traditional fossil fuels and SAF such as cooking oil.

Flight marks the launch of a new aviation Net Zero Carbon roadmap for commercial aviation.

 

An RAF Voyager aircraft

Flying from RAF Brize Norton, over the North Sea and via Farnborough on its return home, the Voyager aircraft also undertook air-to-air refuelling with Typhoons, as part of planned training.

Made from waste-based sustainable feedstocks, such as used cooking oil, SAF reduces lifecycle carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel and will be key to reducing the RAF’s reliance on global supply chains and fossil fuels, while improving operational resilience.

This significant moment follows a series of recent milestones achieved by the RAF towards a sustainable aviation future, including the world first RAF Voyager flight fuelled by 100% SAF.

Defence Minister, Baroness Goldie said:  "Greater use of alternative and sustainable fuel can only lead to positive outcomes for Defence, the United Kingdom, and our collective endeavour against climate change.

This is not an easy undertaking by the RAF, but time and again we see that by working collaboratively with our partners across industry we can achieve crucial transformation."

Part of a two-day industry led conference – Sustainable Skies World Summit - the flight marks the UK aviation industry publishing its updated aviation Net Zero Carbon roadmap outlining how commercial aviation will become more sustainable and commercially viable.

The annual event, hosted at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, brings together various partners from industry to showcase the latest developments in sustainable aviation technology and support efforts moving towards the implementation phase of meeting its net zero commitment.

Supporting the RAF’s ambitions to be Net Zero by 2040, the Voyager flight was part of an existing task from the Chief of the Air Staff to gather the required data to inform the longer-term transition away from fossil fuels.

The RAF has identified that using SAF and alternative aviation fuels will be critical for the future operational capability of the RAF and wider military aviation.

The UK’s SAF programme is already one of the most comprehensive in the world and supports our vision to set the UK up to be a global leader in the development, production, and use of SAF.

Supporting the Prime Minister’s priority to grow the economy, new aviation technologies and fuels provide huge opportunities for economic growth, delivering jobs and prosperity across the country.

Chief of Staff Support and Chief Engineer, Air Vice-Marshal, Paul Lloyd said:

The continued success of sustainable aviation fuel is reassuring to see. If we are to achieve our net zero goal by 2040 then exploiting these technologies is going to be an enormous but worthwhile endeavour.

Despite the challenge, the benefits of reducing our reliance on traditional supply chains and fossil fuels outweigh it.

The RAF is proud to be leading in this area and I welcome the announcement introduction of commercial uses of SAF.

Providing increased reliability and range, the Voyager aircraft gives the RAF an enhanced capability in support of troop mobility, the movement of military assets, and supports UK air defence.

With a payload of 43 tonnes of freight and 291 seat passenger capacity, plus an aeromedical evacuation capability, Voyager also delivers flexibility in air mobility to the UK Armed forces in support of military and humanitarian operations.

During the two days of the Sustainable Skies World Summit, the Jet Zero Council (JZC) – a partnership between industry and government with the aim of delivering at least 10% SAF in the UK fuel mix by 2030 and zero emission transatlantic flight within a generation - will also meet. The Jet Zero Council is driving the ambitious delivery of new technologies and innovative ways to cut aviation emissions.

The SAF for the flight was sourced by International Airlines Group (IAG), and supplied by bp.

For travel insurance....

UK Government outlines what is needed to decarbonise aviation in the next few years.....

Plans to speed up the design, manufacture, and rollout of zero-emission aircraft and infrastructure at UK airports.

• Jet Zero Council meets at Farnborough Airport and publishes 2-year-plan to support wider target of decarbonising aviation sector by 2050
• Transport Secretary delivers keynote speech at Sustainable Skies World Summit, highlighting ongoing work to produce new technology and cleaner fuels
• over £1 million government funding for important research into speeding up the development of liquid hydrogen aviation technology
• comes as the government welcomes the report by expert Philip New setting out the conditions for a successful UK SAF industry

Ministers and aviation chiefs have revealed an action plan for the next 2 years in the race to reach Jet Zero by 2050, as the government continues with ambitious plans to decarbonise faster than any other G7 country, grow the economy, and support hundreds of thousands of well-paid green jobs.

The Jet Zero Council – made up of industry, academic and government leaders – met today (17 April 2023) at Farnborough Airport. Through its 2-year plan, the council committed to continue working to speed up the design, manufacture, and rollout of zero emission aircraft and vital infrastructure at UK airports.

The plan sets out how the council will help to accelerate the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), by continuing to invest millions of pounds in first-of-a-kind SAF plants, supporting crucial scientific research on a larger scale, and helping to drive down production costs.

Farnborough Airport also played host to the Sustainable Skies World Summit today, which gathers experts and leaders from the worlds of aviation, government, energy, and engineering. UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper delivered the global Summit’s keynote speech, where he stressed the importance of the partnership between government, industry and academia in the international challenge to reaching Jet Zero.

The government has also welcomed the report Developing a UK SAF industry by Philip New, former CEO of the Energy Systems Catapult and BP Alternative Energy. The independent evaluation – commissioned by the Department for Transport – assesses what conditions are necessary to create a successful UK SAF industry.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper said:

"This government is a determined partner to the aviation industry – helping accelerate new technology and fuels, modernise their operations, and work internationally to remove barriers to progress.

Together, we can set aviation up for success, continue harnessing its huge social and economic benefits, and ensure it remains a core part of the UK’s sustainable economic future."

Sustainable fuel technology aircraft boost for UK's Royal Air Force

Two brand new experimental aircraft with ground-breaking technologies will be created by the Royal Air Force in the latest step towards a sustainable aviation future.

The commencement of Project Monet, a joint initiative between the Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) and Industry, will see the development of two experimental flying test aircraft to showcase the capabilities and potential of a range of sustainable technologies.

Using the aircraft as the testing focus, Project Monet will draw together expertise from across the RAF and industry to evaluate how technologies can meet key military requirements and the whole-life environmental impact of operating such a fleet of aircraft.

The range of sustainable aviation technologies include the potential for all-electric battery power, synthetic fuelled internal combustion engines, hydrogen cell, and hybrid.

Group Captain Hackett, Military Head of Flight Test on Team Tempest said:  "Monet will be an exciting journey into the future of sustainable flight for the RAF. We will develop and understand the technologies to enable future military aircrew and air cadets to begin their journey into aviation, and yet not adversely impact the world we all share, I can’t think of a better motivator to push us all onto success."

The two-year partnership with Babcock and Swift Aircraft using light training aircraft will also deliver additional benefit by providing a means to evaluate a broader range of factors including logistics, ground operations, human factors, and certification. In so doing, the work will provide important information which can be readily transferred to other environmentally conscious capability projects and developments.

Cathay Pacific collaborates with State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to develop Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply chain

Forging a strategic partnership with SPIC to support SAF production in the Chinese Mainland

Cathay Pacific has teamed up with the State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to drive the further development of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) supply chain in China. SPIC is one of the largest state-owned energy companies in the Chinese Mainland and a company with the world’s largest solar power installed capacity.

SPIC and Cathay Pacific have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covering four SAF plants under SPIC. Witnessed by SPIC Chairman Qian Zhimin and Vice President Chen Haibin, Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam, and Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer-designate Alex McGowan, the MoU was signed by SPIC International Finance (HK) Co. Ltd. Chairman Yin Guoping and Cathay Pacific General Manager Corporate Affairs Andy Wong at Cathay Pacific’s Hong Kong headquarters.

SPIC Chairman Qian Zhimin said: “The signing of our cooperation pact is an important milestone in SPIC’s sustainable development pursuits, and a significant contribution by a Chinese enterprise towards supporting sustainable development in the global aviation sector. We hope both parties can build on our collaboration in the certification and purchase of SAF to further cooperate in areas pertaining to the industry supply chain, project development and securing the necessary policy support.”

United names Oscar the Grouch as First Chief Trash Officer......

United launches first-of-its-kind consumer education campaign focused on driving awareness of the benefit of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Oscar's five decades of trash experience on full display in original video, digital, social and out-of-home content that shows how garbage can help fuel the future of air travel

United customers can do their part too by tracking the estimated carbon footprint of their flight and contributing to supplement United's investment in the new UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM when buying a ticket

United has already invested in the future production of more than three billion gallons of SAF – the most of any airline in the world*

         United Airlines named Sesame Street's Oscar the Grouch as its first Chief Trash Officer as he and the airline celebrate his love of rubbish. United Airlines' new, consumer education campaign is designed to promote the expected benefit of using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) more broadly.

The new campaign – which features Oscar in more than 30 pieces of the original video, digital, social and out-of-home content – follows the iconic character's journey from job listing to c-suite office starring alongside real United employees.

SAF is an alternative to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel alone. SAF is being made from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, and, in the future, could be made from other feedstocks including household trash or forest waste.^† To date, United has invested in the future production of over three billion gallons of SAF – the most of any airline in the world.* 

Consumers can take action too – in a first among U.S. airlines, United now shows an estimate of each flight's carbon footprint on a per economy seat passenger basis on its app and website, and travellers have the option to contribute to supplement United's investment in the UAV Sustainable Flight Fund, a first-of-its-kind investment vehicle designed to support start-ups focused on decarbonizing air travel by accelerating the research, production and technologies associated with SAF.

"United has invested in more sustainable aviation fuel production than any airline in the world, by far," said United Chief Communications Officer Josh Earnest. "Every airline burns jet fuel to run their business, but no airline will solve climate change on its own. So United has enlisted Oscar to help us educate the travelling public of all ages about SAF and rally them to the cause of fighting climate change. From banana peels to fryer grease, Oscar is uniquely qualified to help us explain why trash could be the treasure that fuels the jets of the future."