With demonstrator programs now getting underway, regional turboprops have become the focus for several innovative technology programs.

Fuel supply mandates, blenders’ tax credits, voluntary targets are all in the mix as SAF becomes the near-term path to sustainability.

The goal is to be able to fly missions longer than 200 km (125 mi.) with nine passengers and zero emissions.

Helicopter operator Bristow Group has announced a partnership with Vertical Aerospace to explore electric vertical-takeoff aircraft while Avolon is partnering with Brazilian airline GOL and transportation provider Grupo Comporte to commercialize an eVTOL ride-sharing platform in Brazil.

FAA’s Center for Emerging Concepts and Innovation addresses novel technologies in eVTOL, safety enhancements, electric propulsion, advanced flight controls and flight deck displays as well as advanced automation.

The oil and gas company has set itself a target of producing 2 million metric tons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) a year by 2025—a significant near-term scale-up in supply since Shell is not producing SAF at present.

With the regional aircraft market split between Embraer and ATR, U.S. airlines will have to buy in for Embraer to break into turboprops.

American Airlines has become an anchor partner in Breakthrough Energy Catalyst, investing $100 million in the Bill Gates-founded initiative to accelerate clean energy technologies needed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.