Sustainability

Rocket startup BluShift Aerospace launched its inaugural commercial mission Jan. 31, claiming the titles of the first commercial launch of a rocket with a “bio-derived” fuel and the first commercial launch from Maine.

German aerospace center DLR has launched development of a megawatt-scale hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system for 40-60-seat regional aircraft.

Contrasting Boeing’s strategic direction against that of Airbus, which in 2020 unveiled concepts for liquid hydrogen fueled zero emissions airliners for potential entry-into-service in 2035, company CEO Dave Calhoun said SAFs are “the only answer between now and 2050.”

The Dutch cabinet has given preliminary support for a redesign of the Netherlands’ airspace, paving the way for more efficient operations from 2023.

Boeing is setting an ambitious target to advance the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation, committing that its commercial aircraft are capable and certified to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030.

Universal Hydrogen wants to enable zero-emissions commercial aviation by tacking the two biggest challenges: creating a distribution infrastructure and kick-starting demand for hydrogen.

Olivier Andries has to helm the super-Tier 1 manufacturer as it navigates a still-turbulent environment while longer term Safran will have to offer new concepts to decarbonize commercial aviation.

The Scottish regional carrier plans to use a new contract to provide air services for one of the UK’s most remote island groups as the setting for the introduction of sustainably powered aircraft.

Sustainable alternative jet fuels are a better bet to meet aviation’s low-carbon challenge.

Dave Calderwood takes a look at what will be focusing the attention of the business aviation community in 2021.

From electric and autonomous tow vehicles to a rail system, alternative approaches to aircraft ground handling come into focus.

From flight trainers to regional miniliners, European light aircraft manufacturers are moving to exploit propulsion electrification.

Rolls-Royce has completed the taxiing of its ‘Spirit of Innovation’ aircraft, the latest milestone on its journey to becoming the world’s fastest all-electric plane.

Qatar Airways Cargo has announced Chapter 2 of its sustainability programme WeQare: Rewild the Planet.

Speaking at the 7th Meeting of the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Global Tourism Crisis Committee last week, ICAO Secretary General Dr Fang Liu emphasised that a combination of measures, coordinated between governments and industry, will be essential to the re-establishment of public confidence in air travel.

Startup ZeroAvia has raised $37.7 million in funding to develop a zero-emission hydrogen fuel-cell propulsion system to power 19-seat regional airliners.

Germany’s air transport sector committed to reaching net zero emissions as it rolled out its “masterplan climate protection” on Dec. 14., but tied the target to strong political support in replacing fleets and bringing synthetic fuels to market.

The UK is looking to use alternative, sustainable fuels for its combat aircraft and helicopters in a bid to lower carbon emissions.

Starting from December 2021, the pan-European overnight train network Nightjet will expand as it targets younger climate-conscious airline passengers.

U.S. start-up Ampaire is flying its hybrid-electric testbed on a regional airline route in Hawaii to demonstrate the propulsion technology’s potential to reduce fuel burn and CO2 emissions by 40-50%.

Recovering from its worst-ever crisis while also focusing on reducing the environmental impact will be a 2021 air-transport challenge.

Signature Flight Support has pumped the first ceremonial gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at the first two locations in its network, marking the launch of the renewable fuel’s continuous availability for purchase.

While engineers at airframers and engine manufacturers, particularly in Europe, are busy advancing hydrogen technology for use in commercial aircraft propulsion, airports have begun studying a transition from conventional fuel.

Airbus has carried out a new flight test program of its Zephyr solar-powered pseudo-satellite, focusing on low-altitude flying, ascent and descent.

Future carbon-neutral commercial aircraft should benefit from a favorable tax policy to help the technology gain traction, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said.