Sustainability

Universal Hydrogen, a startup aiming to provide fuel systems and logistics for zero-emission commercial aviation, has landed former Airbus CEO Tom Enders as a strategic advisor and secured investment from Trucks Venture Capital.

Renewable fuel producer Fulcrum BioEnergy has partnered with refinery operator Essar Oil (UK) to build a facility in northwest England to convert municipal solid waste into sustainable aviation fuel.

Finland has launched a research project to reduce the cost of producing synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, using renewable electricity and sequestered carbon dioxide.

Gates' use of private jets has drawn criticism, despite his adoption of biofuels.

Following Airbus’ drive to have a hydrogen-powered aircraft in service by 2035, several French players in commercial air transport have launched a “call for expressions of interest” centered on hydrogen use at airports.

GE Aviation has partnered with Etihad Airways on the launch of its 360 Foam Wash System, which it says provides both environmental and engine performance benefits.

With the expectation that overall teardowns and part sales should increase in the second half of 2021, the actions of companies operating in the space

British Airways is to invest in a sustainable aviation fuel plant to be built in the U.S. and anticipates receiving 7,500 metric tonnes a year of low-carbon jet fuel from the facility beginning at the end of 2022.

Two projects have been announced in the Netherlands with the goal of producing carbon-neutral synthetic jet fuel using renewable energy.

Sustainable Aero Lab will explore development of new technologies to improve aviation’s impact on climate change—including initiatives developed within MRO.

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.

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.

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.

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%.