Emission-free aircraft towing - Lufthansa using electric tugs at Frankfurt

Lufthansa is the launch customer of the all-electric towbarless aircraft tug Phoenix E

Photo goldhofer.com

The Goldhofer Phoenix E moves aircraft with a take-off weight of up to 352 tons

New e-vehicle powered by green electricity in operation at Frankfurt Airport for up to ten hours a day

Lufthansa Group to be CO2-neutral on the ground in its home market by 2030

Photo goldhofer.com

Lufthansa LEOS, the ground handling specialist of the Lufthansa Group, is the launch customer of the all-electric towbarless aircraft tractor Phoenix E from German manufacturer Goldhofer. The purely battery-electric vehicle operates at Frankfurt Airport. It can move aircraft with a take-off weight of up to 352 tons over short and long distances between parking areas, maintenance hangars, and departure positions.

Photo goldhofer.com

Emission-free aircraft towing at up to 25 kilometres per hour

After extensive testing and training, Lufthansa LEOS added the electric vehicle to the fleet. The advantages of the electric tug are apparent; it moves aircraft without emissions and noise or vibration.

With a battery capacity of 165-kilowatt hours and a drive power of 240 kilowatts, aircraft can be moved at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour. Because the nose wheel of the aircraft is lifted and locked, the tug can move relatively quickly and is easier to manoeuvre than tugs with a tow bar.

Photo goldhofer.com

Up to 20 towing jobs a day - all-electric

When controlling the operation of the towbarless aircraft tractor, it is necessary to consider how the state of charge develops for a day because aircraft tow tractors are “workhorses.” They taxi to new parking positions in Frankfurt with the aircraft in tow for up to ten hours a day. The daily energy requirement for up to 20 towing jobs per vehicle is almost twice as high as the battery capacity. The thermo-controlled lithium-ion battery system allows rapid recharging even during short interruptions to work, which is carried out utilizing a dedicated charging infrastructure. Charging is done with green electricity. And this is already from the point of energy generation.

Photo goldhofer.com

Lufthansa LEOS has been committed to sustainability on the ground for many years. Since 2014, the company has been testing novel, sustainable ground handling concepts with Fraport as part of the E-PORT AN initiative. In addition to the all-electric towbarless aircraft tractor, it already has two hybrid tow vehicles in operation at Frankfurt Airport.

On the ground: conversion to CO2-neutral mobility by 2030

Since 2020, the Lufthansa Group has been sourcing exclusively green electricity in its home market. As a further measure, the Group is converting there to CO2-neutral mobility on the ground by 2030.

Photo goldhofer.com

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S-92 Helicopter lands at HAI HELI-EXPO using sustainable aviation fuel

Sikorsky together with GE Aviation and Milestone Aviation confirmed that an S-92 helicopter arrived at HAI HELI-EXPO 2022 using a blend of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).  The helicopter utilized a combination of biofuel, as well as traditional jet fuel in the 1500 mile cross country flight.

“As a Corporation, we are committed to sustainability and I am proud that our S-92 helicopter is playing a role in a more sustainable future,” said Jason Lambert, Sikorsky’s vice president of Global Commercial and Military Systems. “The aircraft is known for its unmatched advantages and the use of biofuel is one more attribute on that list.”

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Company continues to look for opportunities across its fleet to utilize Sustainable Aviation Fuel and take steps to meet environmental challenges.

GE has committed decarbonization efforts in the aviation industry,” said Harry Nahatis, vice president and general manager for GE turboshaft engine programs. “The increased adoption of SAF is one pathway toward decarbonization, and we’re proud to not only support our customers at Sikorsky and Milestone Aviation for this SAF flight but also to be actively involved in assessing and qualifying SAF for widespread use in the industry.

GE has performed extensive testing, including the industry’s first commercial biofuel demonstration flight in 2008, and the first 100 percent SAF commercial airliner flight in 2018. All GE and GE partnership engines in service today — and in the future — can operate with approved SAF.

Pat Sheedy, President & CEO, Milestone Aviation, said, “We are very pleased to be part of this important initiative with our long-time partners at Sikorsky and GE Aviation and to support them in meeting their commitment to sustainability. This is the first SAF-powered flight for Milestone Aviation and we are delighted to collaborate with them to bring this to fruition.”

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Synhelion solar fuel to power SWISS Planes....... Sun to liquid fuel

SWISS to be the world’s first airline to use Synhelion solar fuel

SWISS and the Lufthansa Group have concluded a strategic collaboration with the Synhelion company to bring its solar aviation fuel to market. This will make SWISS the first airline in the world to use ‘sun-to-liquid’ fuel. 

The process devised by Synhelion uses concentrated sunlight to produce carbon-neutral kerosene. With this collaboration, SWISS and Synhelion are playing a pioneering role in the production and the adoption of sustainable aviation fuels.

Swiss International Air Lines  and the Lufthansa Group have concluded a strategic collaboration with ETH Zurich spinoff Synhelion to bring solar aviation fuel to market. This will make SWISS the first airline in the world to use solar kerosene. “Our team-up with Synhelion is founded on our shared vision to make carbon-neutral flying in regular flight operations possible through the use of solar fuel,” explains SWISS Chief Executive Officer Dieter Vranckx. “We are proud that SWISS will be the first airline in the world to fly with solar kerosene. In partnering with Synhelion, we are supporting Swiss innovation and are actively pursuing and promoting the development, the market introduction and the scaling-up of this highly promising technology for producing sustainable fuels.”

“We believe in a globalized world connected by climate-friendly mobility,” adds Dr. Philipp Furler, Synhelion’s co-founder and CEO. “Our next-generation carbon-neutral solar kerosene is an economically and ecologically viable substitute for fossil fuels. The commitment of SWISS and the Lufthansa Group underlines the aviation sector’s keen interest in our solar fuel. And we are looking forward already to the day the first SWISS aircraft takes off with our solar kerosene.”

Sunlight – the way to carbon-neutral flying

Synhelion has developed a key technology for manufacturing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from renewable energy sources. The unique procedure uses concentrated solar heat to manufacture syngas which can then be synthesized into kerosene using standard industrial processes. This sun-to-liquid fuel closes the fuel carbon cycle: when combusted, it will only produce as much CO2 as went into its manufacture. The new fuel thus makes a major contribution to effectively decarbonizing air transport.

Synhelion will build the world’s first-ever facility for the industrial production of solar fuel in Jülich (Germany) this year. SWISS is set to become the first customer for the solar kerosene in 2023. Under the collaboration now concluded, SWISS and the Lufthansa Group will support the development of Synhelion’s planned commercial fuel production facility in Spain, too. 

Swiss pioneer Synhelion, SWISS, Edelweiss and the Lufthansa Group have been working together since 2020 to help reduce the carbon dioxide emissions of Swiss aviation through the use of solar fuels.

SWISS plans pioneering role in the use of sustainable fuels from renewable sources

The Lufthansa Group and SWISS have been pursuing and promoting comprehensive measures to minimize their carbon dioxide emissions for several years now, and work closely with their partners to steadily further reduce the environmental impact of their business and operational activities. SWISS will be substantially increasing its use of sustainable aviation fuels in the next few years to help achieve its climate objectives. In view of the limited availability of biofuels, however, alternatives will be required. “This is why we are actively supporting the development of solar fuels,” stresses SWISS CEO Vranckx. “We want to be a pioneer in their use. So our involvement with Synhelion is a key element in our long-term sustainability strategy.”

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Budget airline Norwegian has entered into a collaboration agreement with Neste, the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuels

Norwegian has entered into a collaboration agreement with Neste, the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Norwegian’s corporate customers can now reduce their CO2 emissions from business travel by up to 80 per cent through sustainable aviation fuel. The agreement is an important step in accelerating a voluntary market for such fuels.

Sustainable aviation fuel is a proven low carbon solution that has been in use since 2011. Norwegian’s modern and fuel-efficient aircraft can tank up to 50 per cent SAF. By replacing fossil-based aviation fuel, SAF can reduce lifecycle GHG emissions up to 80 per cent.

“With Neste’s sustainable aviation fuel we enable corporate customers to reduce CO2 emissions from business travel. Accelerating the voluntary market for sustainable aviation fuel sends a signal to scale production and improve economies of scale, which is much needed to reduce costs,” said Anders Fagernæs, Vice President Sustainability in Norwegian.

In 2022, Norwegian will blend in 0.5 per cent sustainable aviation fuel on all fuel consumption in Norway and 1 per cent in Sweden and France, under government mandates. All voluntary purchases from corporate customers come in addition to these government mandates.

Helping corporates meet their emission reduction targets

Elroy Air unveils Chaparral - a special vertical take-off and landing hybrid aerial cargo system,

Elroy Air, the company developing the first end-to-end autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aerial cargo system, unveiled its pre-production Chaparral aircraft today. The Chaparral can autonomously pick up 300-500 lbs of cargo and deliver it by air up to 300 miles, a capability that pushes beyond the limited payload capabilities of delivery drones and the airport infrastructure required of piloted air cargo options available today.

Elroy Air has commitments for more than 500 aircraft representing more than $1 billion in aircraft demand from commercial, defence, and humanitarian customers

“Today, we are proud to unveil the Chaparral, a first-of-kind autonomous air cargo system that builds on the more than 100 years of American aviation and aircraft development history,” said Elroy Air Co-founder and CEO David Merrill. “The Chaparral is an important part of the future of express logistics. It is built for full end-to-end automation, and it will safely and efficiently make express shipping possible in thousands of new places. It's a delivery drone that's faster than ground transport and lower cost than today's traditional aircraft.”

The company has secured agreements for more than 500 aircraft from commercial, defense and humanitarian customers amounting to more than $1 billion in aircraft demand. “We are excited about the opportunity to partner with strong operators who have been servicing these three core customer markets for decades,” said Kofi Asante, Elroy Air’s VP of Business Development and Strategy. “The partnerships will focus on missions that aim to improve quality of life for communities by expanding express logistics.”

Reaching rural communities, despite pilot shortages

Mesa Airlines, an American regional airline operating large fleets on behalf of partners including American Airlines, United Airlines, and DHL, has intent to order 150 aircraft to serve the express parcel and healthcare sectors.

4 Ways to Make Aviation More Sustainable

Photo

Nothing beats aviation for convenience. It's fast, it's efficient, and it gets you where you need to go. But aviation can also be harmful to the environment, writes Bash Sarmiento.

Tracking emissions in the transportation sector can often be a dispiriting affair, despite the massive changes airlines have made in recent decades. Though aeroplanes today generate less carbon dioxide compared to their counterparts in the 90s, the subsequent increase in demand for air travel has negated much of that progress.

More people are flying than ever before, aside from understandable dips from early 2020 to 2021 due to the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for air travel has risen steadily over the last 50 years, with more room to grow as the middle class expands in the developing world.

Despite the unparalleled convenience of air travel, it's hard to overlook the adverse impact it has had on our environment. The industry still produces huge amounts of carbon dioxide each year, inching us closer and closer to climate disaster.

Aviation doesn't have to be this way, though. There are many ways we can make aviation more sustainable and less harmful to the environment. In this article, we'll explore some of those ways.

Alternative Fuels

The clearest starting point for making aviation more sustainable is to reduce the emissions from burning jet fuel. Airlines are looking to do this with sustainable alternative fuels (SAFs). The objective of using SAFs is to lower the greenhouse gases released during the fuel's lifetime, from production to combustion, when compared with current petroleum-based jet fuels.

How much less of a reduction depends on the process used to make the fuel. As there is no current consensus on the best SAF production process, the reductions could be anywhere from negligible to significant, depending on which SAF gains the most traction within the aviation industry.

The good news is that several different SAFs are being developed, so we as consumers can have our say soon on which SAFs will ultimately win out.

Minimizing Single-Use Plastics

Eliminating single-use plastics is another way airlines can make their operations more sustainable. Single-use plastics are those that are only used once and then disposed of, such as straws, cups, and food packaging.

As you can imagine, the aviation industry uses a lot of single-use plastics each year. In fact, it's one of the leading industries when it comes to using these materials. A lot of this has to do with the fact that single-use plastics are cheap and easy to produce. But they come with a huge environmental cost.

Moving away from single-use plastics also lightens the load for airlines, increasing fuel efficiency. It's a win-win for everyone.

Some airlines are already leading the way when it comes to reducing their reliance on single-use plastics. The more airlines make these types of commitments, the more pressure there will be for other airlines to follow suit.

Locally-Sourced Foods

While single-use plastics are a no-go, airline passengers still need to eat. Providing locally-sourced and seasonal foods reduces the carbon footprint of food transportation.

First, it cuts down on the amount of energy needed to transport food from one side of the globe to the other. Second, it supports local farmers and economies. And third, it reduces waste from spoiled or uneaten food.

Longer flights can especially benefit from having a locally-sourced food option. Not only does it reduce the environmental impact of food transportation, but it also gives passengers a taste of the local cuisine.

Consumer Education

We as consumers can also play a part in making aviation more sustainable. More than anything, we need to be aware of the environmental impact our choices have and make informed decisions.

Airlines can help by providing passengers with information on how to make more sustainable choices. This could include things like how to pack lightly, where to find responsible tourism operators, and what options are available for travelling eco-friendly.

Learning to lower our demand for air travel is one way to make a difference. If we can't or don't want to fly, there are other sustainable transportation options available, such as buses and trains. If your travel plans require you to fly, opting for an economy seat instead of business or first class can reduce your individual carbon footprint.

Another way we can help is by packing lightly. A lighter plane means less fuel consumption, which translates into lower emissions.

We can also choose to fly with airlines that are making an effort to be more sustainable. Some airlines have started implementing eco-friendly practices. Supporting these companies sends a message that we want more sustainable aviation practices.

By being conscious of our choices and supporting the airlines that are working to be more sustainable, we can make a big difference in the aviation industry together.

Aviation doesn't have to be bad for the environment. There are several ways airlines can make their operations more sustainable.

From using alternative fuels to reducing single-use plastics, there are many things airlines can do to help make aviation more environmentally responsible. As consumers, we need to be aware of the choices we make and support airlines that are making an effort to be more sustainable.

Together, we can make aviation more sustainable for future generations.

Bash Sarmiento

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4AIR Enables 250,000 Carbon-Neutral Flight Hours in First Year to Curb Private Jet Travel’s Impact on Climate Change

4AIR programs offset or reduce private jet emissions of carbon dioxide and other climate-changing pollutants

Since inception, 4AIR has helped offset more than 1 million metric tons of CO2

All offset credits from flight activity of 4AIR partners support many of the world’s most impactful forestation and clean energy projects.

4AIR, the first and only rating system focused on comprehensive sustainability in private aviation, today announced that, since launching in January 2021, it has helped private jet owners, operators and passengers voluntarily offset or reduce more than 1 million metric tons of CO2 through the use of verified carbon offsets and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), dramatically reducing the private aviation industry’s impact on the climate. 

In total, 4AIR programs have:

Facilitated more than 250,000 carbon-neutral flight hours, reducing the impact of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted by jets during flight;

Offset more than 80,000 emissions-neutral flight hours, accounting not only for CO2 but also for non-carbon emissions that affect the climate such as soot, water vapor and contrails;

Made possible more than 125 million carbon neutral flight miles, the equivalent of 262 round trips to the moon.

“Climate change is the greatest sustainability challenge we face, and it is critical that we do everything we can to offset or reduce emissions of CO2 and other pollutants that affect the climate,” said 4AIR President Kennedy Ricci. “Our goal is to help aviation stakeholders become part of the solution to climate change, and the strong response to our programs during 2021 convinces us that aviation is willing to be a leader in the sustainability space.”

During its first year, 4AIR launched increasingly progressive ratings programs to promote sustainability through carbon neutrality via carbon offsets, emissions neutrality via offsets and actual emissions reduction through measures such as SAF. Its programs have attracted participation from stakeholders across the private aviation spectrum. These include some of the world’s most prominent fractional, jet card and charter travel providers as well as aircraft management companies, corporate flight departments, individuals, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), airports and fixed base operators (FBOs).

Other 4AIR initiatives during 2021 included:

ZEVA Successfully Completes Historic First Test Flight

ZEVA, a pioneer in zero-emission electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft transportation, successfully achieved its first untethered, powered, controlled flight test for its full-scale ZEVA ZERO flying wing airframe utilizing its eight zero-emission electric motor-driven propellers. The major milestone for the Tacoma-based startup was captured in this new video in rural Pierce County, Washington, on Sunday, January 9th, 2022 as part of its rigorous test program to achieve FAA airworthiness certification.

The zero-emissions electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft reaches critical milestone, flying untethered in its first series of taxiing tests

The uncrewed ZEVA demonstration aircraft completed four flights, totalling more than four minutes of controlled hovering, simulated taxiing manoeuvres at slow speeds, and limited vertical climb manoeuvres. Its compact airframe is designed for a single pilot and is small enough to fit in a standard automobile parking space. The vehicle is projected to cruise at speeds of up to 160 mph with a range of up to 50 miles, optimizing point-to-point travel.

“This is a huge inflection point for ZEVA as we join an exclusive set of proven flying eVTOL platforms, and a testament to the relentless hard work and ingenuity of our entire team over the past two and half years,” said Stephen Tibbitts, CEO and Chairman of ZEVA. “We are dissecting our learnings from our critical first taxiing flight, which is a direct result of the support we’ve received from our investors and community, leading us to bring in additional talent to spearhead this historic moment. We are eager to continue to our next stage of hover flight testing on our road to certification and eventual autonomous flight allowing anyone, not just pilots, to access zero-emission point-to-point travel.”

New cargo airline from Reliable Robotics

Reliable Robotics, a leader in automated aircraft systems, has announced the appointments of David DeRose as Director of Finance and Lee Tomlinson as Director of Operations to the company’s fully-owned airline subsidiary in preparation for its first commercial cargo flights. 

DeRose and Tomlinson join Jeff Drees, Director of Cargo Strategy, to begin cargo services this year. Reliable Robotics will continue to grow its airline team and operational experience as part of a phased certification approach to bring its Remotely Operated Aircraft System and services to market.

Today commercial aircraft typically fly through larger hubs, while many rural and remote communities are not serviced regularly. Reliable Robotics is building a remotely piloted system that has the capability to land on almost any airstrip, enabling point-to-point deliveries to underserved regional airports. Once the system is certified for commercial use, cargo operators will be able to expand direct routes to more locations and gain the flexibility to fly more frequently with remotely piloted aircraft. The versatile system can be adapted to almost any aircraft, including new electric and hybrid-electric propulsion platforms.

"We are working with leading cargo carriers eager to integrate remotely piloted systems into their fleets," explained Jeff Drees, Director of Cargo Strategy for Reliable Robotics and former Co-owner and Chief Commercial Officer of Ameriflight. "By demonstrating crewed air cargo delivery first, we will build a solid foundation for the transition to remotely operated flights."

easyJet partners with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) on development of zero-emission aircraft

easyJet, one of Europe’s leading budget airlines has announced it is working with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions to support the development of its hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for commercial aircraft, as part of the airline’s ambition to de-carbonise aviation.  

Cranfield Aerospace Solutions is developing its hydrogen fuel cell propulsion system for an existing 9-seat Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, which is planned to be flying by 2023, and is now working with easyJet to understand how the adoption of zero-carbon technologies could integrate with an airline operations for future introduction of the technology.

easyJet will support Cranfield Aerospace Solutions on the project, providing an airline operator's perspective on the development of hydrogen propulsion and internal expertise, to assist in the development of this technology for commercial aviation.

David Morgan, Director of Flight Operations, easyJet, said:

“easyJet remains absolutely committed to sustainable flying and a towards a future with zero-emission flying.  We know that technology is a key driver to achieve our decarbonisation targets with hydrogen propulsion a frontrunner for short-haul airlines like easyJet. We are dedicated to working with industry leading partners to support the development of these promising new technologies and we look forward collaborating with Cranfield Aerospace Solutions to support bringing this technology to maturity as early as possible.” 

JetBlue Introduces ‘Sustainable Travel Partners’ Program Empowering Corporate Customers to Enhance the Sustainability of their Business Travel

 

 New Initiative Helps JetBlue’s Corporate Travel Partners Fast Track Their Companies’ Sustainable Travel Targets with Options to Help Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Receive Complimentary Carbon Offsetting and Personalized Emissions Reporting --

-- JetBlue Partners With Launch Customers: Biogen, Deloitte, ICF, and Salesforce to Accelerate the Path Toward Sustainable Aviation and Reducing a Combined 2,730 Metric Tons of CO2e Emissions –

JetBlue announced the launch of its “JetBlue Sustainable Travel Partners” program, and its inaugural customers, Biogen, Deloitte, ICF, and Salesforce, a suite of offerings to help corporate travel customers reduce their business travel emissions and meet their own corporate sustainability targets. In keeping with JetBlue’s customer focus, the airline is approaching sustainable travel as a partnership by providing its corporate travelers with personalized data and resources to help them enhance the sustainability of their travel. JetBlue has a long history of taking meaningful and measurable steps in reducing aviation’s contribution to climate change and is now inviting its corporate partners to join in this mission.

The Sustainable Travel Partners program offers corporate partners the following resources:

1. Business travel emissions reduction through the offering of JetBlue generated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) certificates
2. Complimentary carbon offsetting on all domestic flights operated by JetBlue
3. Personalized travel data and analysis for more accurate emissions reporting
4. Consultation and tools for custom planning and target-setting to support in making more sustainable travel decisions

JetBlue Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Certificates

SAF is a synthetic jet fuel produced from renewable biological resources that can be replenished rapidly and without impacting food supply. Compared to traditional petroleum-based Jet-A fuel, SAF can emit up to 80 percent less CO2 over its lifecycle when used in neat form and reduces air pollutants such as particulate matter and sulfur oxides. SAF drops into existing engines and infrastructure and is ASTM certified when blended up to 50-50 with fossil Jet-A fuel. With more than a 10 year track record of safe use in aircraft, SAF is recognized as the most promising solution to mitigate air transport emissions currently available.

JetBlue has been flying regularly on SAF as a component of its fuel supply from its partners Neste out of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) since July 2020 and World Energy (SAF producer) and World Fuel Services (logistics supplier) out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) since July 2021. JetBlue recently shared industry-leading plans to speed up its transition to SAF with a deal with its partner SG Preston that will bring 67 million gallons of blended SAF a year to the Northeast over 10 years. Following this agreement, JetBlue leads the airline industry in committed SAF off-take based on a percentage of total fuel at roughly 8% and is on track to meet its goal of converting 10% of its total fuel use to SAF years ahead of its 2030 target.

Through the purchase of SAF certificates, JetBlue customers now have the ability to directly and meaningfully reduce their business travel emissions. Business travel emissions, categorized as “Scope 3” emissions, are indirect emissions customers are not directly responsible for but that exist within the value chain, such as those produced through corporate travel. By purchasing SAF certificates, our corporate customers may reduce their reported carbon footprint, while helping cover the cost premium of SAF that exists today - thereby growing the share of SAF JetBlue is able to source while helping stimulate the emerging SAF market that is critical for the aviation industry to reach its net zero goals. Through the Sustainable Travel Partners program, our partners are helping source roughly 325,000 gallons of SAF, helping reduce 2,730 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

airBaltic moves forward by using more sustainable aviation fuel

airBaltic has announced that in 2021 it continued a path towards greener flying by increasing the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) by 20%.  airBaltic believes that SAF will play a crucial role in ensuring the future of the aviation industry, as Chief Pilot Gerhard Ramcke explains in the following video.  



Think Green, Fly Green - Sustainability in airBaltic

airBaltic currently flies a single-type fleet of 32 Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which at the moment is the greenest commercial aircraft in the world, as it is the first aircraft to have a transparent declaration of the life-cycle environmental impact, helping to reduce CO2 and NOX emissions by 20% and 50% respectively.

Martin Gauss, Chief Executive Officer of airBaltic: “Our vision sees us becoming a sustainable carrier in the EU aviation market. At airBaltic, we believe that SAF will play a crucial role in ensuring the future of the aviation industry and help everyone involved to decrease their impact on the environment. Our use of SAF will increase further in 2022 and beyond.” 

First base outside The Baltics

Recently that airline announced a new base in Tampere, Finland,  its first new base outside the Baltics extending its network in Europe. 

The new base airport will be launched in Tampere, Finland offering direct flights to seven destinations across Europe – Oslo, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, Malaga, Rhodes and Riga. Tampere will be airBaltic’s fourth base in addition to bases in Riga, Tallinn and Vilnius. To operate the new routes, the base will accommodate one Airbus A220-300 at Tampere airport from May 2022.

By increasing the number of flights between Tampere and Riga, travellers based in the southwest of Finland will have more opportunities to reach more than 70 airBaltic destinations in Europe or the Middle East via Riga airport.

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The first spin of the propeller on the Dornier 228 using electric power for ZeroAvia at Cotswold Airport

Another step forward in electrically powered passenger aircraft took place recently as ZeroAvia took its Dornier for a little spin! Ground testing is a go at Cotswold Airport when the firm conducted the first spin of the propeller on the Dornier 228 using electric power.

The test was designed as a functional check of the fully integrated and flight-ready Electric Propulsion System aboard the testbed aircraft. Several tests were performed, and allow the team to move to the next stage of tests with a fully functional on-board Power Generation System utilizing hydrogen fuel cell. This fully-integrated aircraft test campaign follows a comprehensive HyperTruck ground test program performed at ZeroAvia's U.S. location. 

See our earlier reports on the development of ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric aviation programme. The firm has two 19-Seat Dornier 228 aircraft, one in the UK and one in the U.S. The aircraft have been provided by Aurigny in the UK and AMC Aviation in the U.S. and will allow ZeroAvia to enter the next phase in its quest towards clean hydrogen-electric aviation. Both aircraft were previously in service for regional flights in the US and UK, demonstrating the opportunity for carbon reduction on existing routes.

Air101: ZeroAvia expands its hydrogen-electric aviation programme with 19-Seat Dornier 228 aircraft

Air101: De Havilland Canada and ZeroAvia Announce Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Develop Hydrogen-Electric Engine Program for Dash 8-400 Aircraft

Air101: United Becomes Largest Airline to Invest in Zero-Emission Engines for Regional Aircraft

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Electra and flyv to Reinvent Regional Air Travel in Europe with On-Demand Flights on Hybrid-Electric eSTOL Planes

Electra and flyv to Reinvent Regional Air Travel in Europe with On-Demand Flights on Hybrid-Electric eSTOL Planes

 

 

Electra Adds 100 New Aircraft Orders for Affordable Air Mobility Service in Underserved Mid-Range Markets

A new generation of cost-efficient hybrid-electric aircraft is making on-demand regional air travel commercially feasible. Electra.aero, a US-based clean aviation technology company and flyv, a German company creating On Demand Air Mobility solutions, have partnered to develop a revolutionary customer-centric air mobility solution that leverages the economic advantages of Electra's sustainable flight technology to offer travelers the quickest, most cost-effective route between locations in underserved regional travel markets in Europe.

Passengers will fly on Electra's hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL)aircraft, a fixed-wing plane that uses a unique combination of proven blown lift technology, hybrid-electric power, and distributed propulsion to operate on runways as small as 100x300 feet. The quiet, piloted plane delivers substantially lower emissions and operating costs than conventional aircraft. Batteries are recharged mid-flight, eliminating the need for ground charging infrastructure and enabling quick flight turnaround in diverse environments. The flyv service will initially operate between airports and eventually provide point-to-point intercity travel, taking full advantage of the Electra eSTOL's ability to take off and land in places previously inaccessible by flight.

flyv is a novel airline focused on regional air mobility. In lieu of a traditional hub and spoke network, the flyv scheduling platform uses a proprietary algorithm to optimize the daily flight schedule based on paid bookings and operational constraints. flyv will provide customers a guaranteed fixed travel timeframe to their destination at the point of booking, and exact itinerary details prior to departure.

"There is a gap in transportation services today between where ground transport is effective and where large transport aircraft are providing efficient service. We designed Electra's eSTOL aircraft to fill that gap, providing a more sustainable transport option than cars or traditional aircraft for short and medium distance routes up to about 500 miles," said John S. Langford, Founder and Chief Operating Officer (CEO) of Electra.aero. "We are delighted to be partnering with flyv to pair our aircraft technology with flyv's innovative business model and flight scheduling technology to bring this transportation solution to customers."

"Traditional airlines are focused on capacity, not on demand. We're building a new means of transport that is demand-driven and customer centric. We aim to connect unserved communities to as many other decentralized locations as possible by delivering the fastest means of transport from one point to another at market value-based prices," explained flyv Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Anton Lutz. "The economics were a challenge with conventional aircraft. The cost-effectiveness of Electra's high-performance eSTOL aircraft is the puzzle piece that makes the flyv model work. Our partnership with Electra enables a micro-mobility solution that connects the unconnected into the global aviation network in a sustainable way, creating economic opportunities for both communities and customers," said Lutz.

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), flyv will be Electra's air mobility services partner in Europe, and Electra will be flyv's OEM partner for regional air mobility services in Europe and elsewhere, with a commitment by flyv to purchase of up to 100 Electra eSTOL aircraft. The agreement raises Electra's total purchase commitments to 280 aircraft. The two companies will jointly explore urban and regional networks to be served by flyv, and will collaborate on elements of eSTOL performance, economics, and passenger experience as well as joint marketing initiatives. The global urban and regional advanced air mobility market is forecast by Morgan Stanley at $1 trillion.

About flyv  

flyv is a start-up On-Demand Air Mobility airline connecting people in a demand-driven network, with a mission to connect every possible landing field in a single customer-induced web created anew every day. The company's core asset is its two algorithms: the fulfillment algorithm and the product algorithm. Together they enable optimized product offering and operationalization leading to a new approach in airline distribution and management. flyv's highly skilled  team draws from various disciplines with executive experience from Amazon, GE Aviation, Vodafone, easyJet, and Lufthansa Group,  as well as renowned scientific institutions and European airports.

About Electra.aero

Electra.aero, Inc. is a next-gen aerospace company leading the way in sustainable urban and regional mobility. The company is building clean, hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) airplanes that fly people and cargo quieter, further, and more affordably. Electra is collaborating with air transport and ground infrastructure operators to achieve a turnkey solution for diverse markets. Electra's team includes some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs and engineers in novel aircraft design, and its technology development is supported by NASA and the US Air Force Agility Prime program.

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How to store liquid hydrogen for zero-emission flight

Hydrogen is critical to Airbus’ aim of developing the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft by 2035. This will require an innovative approach to fuel storage. Airbus is now designing cutting-edge liquid hydrogen tanks to facilitate a new era of sustainable aviation

Hydrogen is one of the most promising technologies to reduce aviation’s climate impact. When generated from renewable energy sources, it emits zero CO2. Significantly, it delivers approximately three times the energy per unit mass of conventional jet fuel and more than 100 times that of lithium-ion batteries. This makes it well suited to powering aircraft. 

However, storing hydrogen on-board an aircraft poses several challenges. Hydrogen may provide more energy by mass than kerosene fuel, but it delivers less energy by volume. At normal atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature, you would need approximately 3,000 litres of gaseous hydrogen to achieve the same amount of energy as one litre of kerosene fuel.

Clearly this is not feasible for aviation. One alternative would be to pressurise the hydrogen at 700 bars – an approach used in the automotive sector. In our example, this would slash the 3,000 litres to just six.

This may represent a huge improvement, but weight and volume are critical for aircraft. To go further still, we can dial down the temperature  to -253°C. That’s when hydrogen transforms itself from a gas to a liquid, increasing its energy density even more. Returning to our example, four litres of liquid hydrogen would be the equivalent of one litre of standard jet fuel. 

 

United Becomes Largest Airline to Invest in Zero-Emission Engines for Regional Aircraft

New equity stake in hydrogen-electric engine developer ZeroAvia gives United the ability to purchase up to 100 zero-emission, 100% hydrogen engines that could be used on United Express aircraft by 2028

ZeroAvia completed the world's first hydrogen fuel cell powered flight of a commercial-grade aircraft in September 2020

United remains the largest airline to commit to hydrogen-electric aviation

United today became the largest airline to invest in zero-emission, hydrogen-electric engines for regional aircraft, the latest move toward achieving its goal to be 100% green by reducing its GHG emissions 100% by 2050, without relying on traditional carbon offsets.

Through a new equity stake in ZeroAvia, a leading company focused on hydrogen-electric aviation solutions, United expects to buy up to 100 of the company's new zero-emission, 100% hydrogen-electric engines (ZA2000-RJ). The engine could be retrofit to existing United Express aircraft as early as 2028. One potential use is on United's unique CRJ-550, the only 50-seat aircraft which offers first class and other premium amenities, making this leading aircraft even better and marking another first for United.

"Hydrogen-electric engines are one of the most promising paths to zero-emission air travel for smaller aircraft, and this investment will keep United out in front on this important emerging technology," said Scott Kirby, CEO of United. "United continues to look for opportunities to not only advance our own sustainability initiatives but also identify and help technologies and solutions that the entire industry can adopt."

Hydrogen-electric engines use electricity created by a chemical reaction in a fuel cell to power an electric motor instead of burning fossil fuel. Because no fuel is burned, there are no climate-harming emissions or carbon released into the atmosphere when the engines are operated.

The ZA2000-RJ is expected to be used in pairs as a new power source for existing regional aircraft. Under the agreement with United Airlines Ventures, United will pursue a conditional purchase agreement for 50 ZeroAvia ZA2000-RJ engines, with an option for 50 more, enough for up to 50 twin-engine aircraft which would be operated by United Express partners once they are fully developed and certified by regulators as soon as 2028.

British Airways and Phillips 66 partner for sustainable fuel deal.

British Airways will become the first airline in the world to use sustainable aviation fuel produced on a commercial scale in the UK after signing a multi-year agreement with Phillips 66 Limited.

Thousands of tonnes of SAF will be produced for the first time in the UK at the Phillips 66 Humber Refinery near Immingham and will be supplied to British Airways to power a number of its flights from early 2022. 

The supply agreement between British Airways and Phillips 66 Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of diversified energy manufacturing and logistics company Phillips 66, advances both companies’ commitments to a lower-carbon future. The airline, which is driving to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, will purchase enough sustainable fuel to reduce lifecycle CO2 emissions by almost 100,000 tonnes, the equivalent of powering 700 net zero CO2 emissions flights between London and New York on its fuel-efficient Boeing 787 aircraft.  

The SAF will be produced from sustainable waste feedstock at the Humber Refinery, which will deliver its SAF supply to British Airways via existing pipeline infrastructure that feeds directly into UK airports.

Sean Doyle, British Airways’ Chairman and Chief Executive, said:

“This agreement marks another important step on our journey to net zero carbon emissions and forms part of our commitment, as part of International Airlines Group, to power 10% of flights with SAF by 2030.

“The UK has the resources and capabilities to be a global leader in the development of SAF and scaling up the production of SAF requires a truly collaborative approach between industry and government.

“We are excited to develop our relationship with Phillips 66 Limited further with a view to growing production capacity and using a wider range of sustainable waste feedstocks to supply our future flights. The development of sustainable aviation fuel is a major focus for us and forms part of our commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 through a series of short-, medium- and long-term initiatives.”