Iata has provided the international aviation industry with a string of updates on the sector’s latest advancements towards achieving nett-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
*The NATO pipeline supplying Brussels Airport with kerosene has now opened for the transport of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
*In addition, Teesside International Airport has collaborated with Air France-KLM on the airline’s SAF programme, becoming the first UK airport to do so.
*The US Department of Energy has announced over US$100m (R1,79bn) in funding to expand US biofuels production as the Biden administration works to cut greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and meet climate goals, the department told Reuters. The department plans to award US$118m (R2,11bn) to 17 projects designed to accelerate the production of biofuels.
*In the Middle East, Etihad Airways has announced a joint feasibility study on production of SAF and other products in the UAE, such as renewable diesel and naphtha, using municipal solid waste and renewable hydrogen. Meanwhile, Emirates recently successfully completed the ground engine testing for one of its GE90 engines on a Boeing 777-300ER using 100% SAF.
*In Asia, Asiana Airlines has entered an agreement with Shell to secure SAF from 2026. Japan's two leading air carriers, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines, will source SAF from US producer Raven.
Emissions
*Following a US$175m (R3,13bn) agreement with Boeing, Ryanair has now installed split scimitar winglets on the first of over 400 of its Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft. This modification will improve aircraft fuel efficiency by up to 1,5%, reducing Ryanair’s annual fuel consumption by 65 million litres and carbon emissions by 165 000 tonnes.
Electric and hydrogen propulsion
*Sweden has pledged to invest at least SEK15m (R25,8m) each year into research to support the rapid adoption of electric aircraft in the country.
Technology
*NASA and Boeing will work together on the Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project to build, test, and fly an emission-reducing single-aisle aircraft within the decade. NASA has signed a funded Space Act Agreement with Boeing to provide US$425m (R7,6bn) in funding while Boeing and its partners contribute US$725m (R12,97bn).
*Delta Air Lines is launching an airline innovation lab to speed up research, design and testing for a more sustainable future of air travel as well.
