<a href="https://news.archer.com/">Archer Aviation Inc</a>. announced the completion of its first mass production plant for its new eVTOL, located next to Covington Municipal Airport, Georgia. With the certification already issued, the company will begin tool installation and plans to start manufacturing the new aircraft in 2025, reaching a production rate of two aircraft per month by the end of the same year.
This plant will be the production hub, covering approximately 350,000 square meters, for the Midnight, Archer&#8217;s fully electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The ARC plant was developed in collaboration with Stellantis, which contributes capital, manufacturing expertise, and specialized personnel. The joint goal is to scale production to 650 aircraft per year by 2030.
“Supporting Archer&#8217;s growth in the electric aircraft sector with our manufacturing expertise is a unique opportunity. This milestone marks an important step toward clean mobility in the skies,” emphasized Arnaud Deboeuf, Stellantis&#8217; manufacturing and supply chain director.
The completion of ARC has been welcomed as a breakthrough for both the aviation sector and Georgia&#8217;s economic development. “This announcement reaffirms our commitment to innovative companies like Archer, creating quality jobs and opportunities for Georgians,” highlighted the state governor, Brian Kemp.
“Archer’s plant in Covington positions Georgia as a leader in innovation, advanced manufacturing, and job creation. This project will transform aviation and benefit the state’s economy,” added Congressman Mike Collins.
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<h3>Production of Archer&#8217;s Midnight</h3>
The Midnight aircraft, to be produced at ARC, is an eVTOL designed to be quiet, safe, and sustainable, offering an efficient alternative to ground transportation in congested cities. Archer aims to lead the transition of the aviation industry from research and development to the commercialization of electric aircraft.
“The completion of this facility demonstrates the state of the industry, moving toward commercialization. Our focus now is on production and scaling. I am proud of the team for completing this project on budget and in record time,” emphasized Archer CEO Adam Goldstein.
The eVTOL is designed to provide transportation alternatives in densely populated urban environments. Archer aims to transform urban travel by replacing 60–90 minute car journeys with 10–20 minute flights in electric air taxis.

Archer Aviation Completes First eVTOL Mass Production Plant in Georgia

GENEVA &#8211; The International Air Transport Association (IATA) reported that the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) reached 1 million tonnes (1.3 billion liters) in 2024, doubling 2023&#8217;s figures. However, this volume only represents 0.3% of the global jet fuel production and 11% of the renewable fuel capacity worldwide.
According to IATA, the growth has been slower than initially projected, as the forecasts for 2024 were set at 1.5 million tonnes. The delay in the commissioning of key facilities in the United States, postponed to 2025, was identified as one of the main factors.
By 2025, SAF production could reach 2.1 million tonnes, equivalent to 0.7% of global jet fuel production and 13% of total renewable fuel capacity.
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<h4>Slow growth amid climate urgency</h4>
Willie Walsh, IATA&#8217;s Director General, described the increase in SAF production as «disappointingly slow» and partly blamed conflicting government messages to the energy industry. «Oil companies continue to receive subsidies for fossil fuel exploration and production, while renewable fuel investors seem to await guarantees of quick profits before advancing,» he stated. Walsh added that airlines are ready to purchase SAF but emphasized that governments must accelerate the transition through strategic incentives and a reassessment of current fossil energy subsidies.
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Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA&#8217;s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist, pointed out that aviation decarbonization should be integrated as part of the global energy transition and not seen as a problem exclusive to the transport sector. «Solving the challenges of the energy transition in aviation will also benefit other sectors of the economy. Refineries will produce a wide range of renewable fuels, and only a small fraction will be SAF for airlines,» she said.
<h4>Infrastructure and necessary measures</h4>
According to the organization, achieving net-zero CO2 emissions targets by 2050 will require the construction of 3,000 to 6,500 new renewable fuel plants. These facilities will also supply other industries with renewable diesel and other fuels. The average annual investment needed is estimated at $128 billion, less than half the resources allocated to solar and wind energy between 2004 and 2022.
Among the strategies identified by IATA to accelerate SAF expansion is increasing the use of existing refineries to process renewable feedstocks alongside crude oil, enabling faster implementation with lower investment. Additionally, it highlighted the need to diversify production methods beyond the HEFA technology, which currently accounts for 80% of production. Technologies such as Alcohol-to-Jet (AtJ) and Fischer-Tropsch (FT), which use biological and agricultural residues, could significantly boost volumes. The importance of establishing a global registry to accredit SAF purchases by airlines was also emphasized, ensuring transparency and avoiding double-counting.
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According to an IATA survey, 86% of passengers believe governments should incentivize SAF production, while a similar percentage thinks oil companies should prioritize its supply to airlines.
<h4>IATA&#8217;s contribution</h4>
As part of the IATA Global Media Day held today in Geneva, Switzerland, with Aviacionline in attendance, the organization also detailed some key programs and initiatives they are leading to facilitate the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels among airlines.
These include the creation of a model contract for SAF procurement, which is now complete and available for the industry. This contract aims to standardize transactions, offering clarity and efficiency to airlines and other stakeholders interested in purchasing this type of fuel.
Additionally, IATA is conducting training programs focused on SAF procurement for member airlines. These training sessions are supported by the SAF Handbook, which includes detailed guidance on sustainability documentation. They are also aligned with other relevant manuals such as CORSIA and ReFuel EU, ensuring that procurement practices meet international standards.
Another highlighted effort is the implementation of a registration system and the “Book &amp; Claim” mechanism for SAF, currently in the pilot phase and expected to be operational by 2025. This system will allow airlines to register and accredit their SAF use, even in cases where the fuel is not physically used at the purchase location, promoting transparency and facilitating global adoption.
IATA is also advancing SAF production acceleration programs, which are continuously under development. These programs aim to collaborate with producers, investors, and governments, encouraging the adoption of innovative technologies to diversify production sources and significantly increase available volumes.
Finally, monitoring progress toward net-zero emissions among IATA member airlines is another key ongoing initiative. This effort tracks and evaluates airlines’ advances on their sustainability paths, ensuring they meet the commitments outlined in their decarbonization strategies.

SAF Production Doubles in 2024 but Still Falls Short of Aviation Industry Goals

DHL Express and Shell signed a one-year agreement to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) at Brussels Airport. According to DHL, the contract includes the delivery of 25,000 tons of SAF to the airport through a pipeline system. This fuel, made from waste and residual materials, holds ISCC Plus certification, ensuring compliance with international sustainability standards.
The company highlights that using SAF could reduce CO2e emissions by approximately 80,000 tons compared to fossil fuels. This initiative will be implemented through the GoGreen Plus program, which allows DHL customers to opt for air transport with lower emissions.
“Our customers benefit from our growing SAF coverage in different regions, now including our investment in SAF at Brussels Airport. In addition to efficiency improvements, SAF is currently the most significant way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in air transport” said Travis Cobb, Executive Vice President of Global Network Operations and Aviation at DHL Express.
Raman Ojha, President of Shell Aviation, stated, “Our collaboration with DHL at Brussels Airport reflects a joint commitment to reducing emissions in air transport specifically and across the entire aviation value chain. By supplying SAF, we are equipping the industry and our customers with low-carbon solutions that support the transition to sustainable aviation”
The GoGreen Plus program, as explained by DHL, enables the reduction of indirect emissions, known as Scope 3 emissions, through an insetting approach that directly reduces emissions within the logistics sector. This approach is based on the “book and claim” model, which facilitates the voluntary reporting of these reductions.
DHL has set a goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In this context, the company aims to have 30% of its air operations powered by SAF by 2030.

DHL and Shell Partner to Deliver 25,000 Tons of SAF at Brussels Airport

<a style="color: #3366ff" href="https://www.united.com/es/us">United Airlines</a> is about to receive a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with registration N24988, featuring a special livery inspired by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The aircraft is currently at Boeing’s facility in Everett. Last year, United was the airline that used the most SAF compared to any other U.S. carrier, aligning with its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
United has chosen the Dreamliner to showcase this special livery. The 787 is the most efficient widebody aircraft, consuming 20%-25% less fuel compared to its predecessors and reducing emissions by 25%.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-345574" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/1732053771538.jpeg" alt="" width="1280" height="853" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/1732053771538.jpeg 1280w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/1732053771538-300x200.jpeg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/1732053771538-768x512.jpeg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/11/1732053771538-150x100.jpeg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" />
United was the first airline to set a goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 without relying on voluntary carbon offsets. The airline continues to lead the U.S. industry in SAF acquisition and implementation. In 2023, the airline purchased more sustainable fuel than any other U.S. carrier and has used SAF blends at five airports in the United States and Europe.

United Airlines Unveils Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with SAF Inspired Livery

easyJet and Airbus have launched a pilot trial of a new corporate partnership model to encourage global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. Starting in November, this initiative will explore how airlines and corporate organizations can share SAF costs in a mutually beneficial way, increasing demand and supply for the fuel.
For this trial, easyJet will supply SAF for its route between Bristol (BRS) and Toulouse (TLS)—a route frequently used by Airbus employees—with a 30% SAF blend over a three-month period. The SAF used in the trial will be derived from biomass, such as used cooking oil, enabling a substantial reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
Airbus is the first corporate partner in this project, purchasing a specific quantity of SAF to offset the carbon footprint from its corporate flights. In return, corporate partners will receive verified SAF certificates, which they can include in their scope 3 emissions reporting, while easyJet will report under scope 1 emissions.
Thomas Haagensen, Group Markets Director at easyJet, highlighted the project’s relevance for corporate aviation: “Business travelers make up around 14% of our customer base, and they are always looking to reduce the impact of their flights. This model not only helps them with emissions reporting but also drives growth in the SAF industry, which will be essential for reaching the industry’s net-zero targets.”
Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Carbon Dioxide Removal at Airbus, emphasized the need to scale SAF production: “Currently, SAF is available in limited quantities, and we need to increase supply and close the price gap with conventional fuel. In 2023, 600 million liters of SAF were produced globally, and every drop was used. This trial is about building a resilient SAF economy because we have the technology and the aircraft—we just need more SAF.”
This initiative is the latest collaboration between easyJet and Airbus to lower aviation’s environmental impact. In this initial phase, Airbus is the exclusive partner, though easyJet is in advanced discussions with other companies interested in joining the scheme. Through this project, both companies aim to create sustainable demand for SAF and support a faster transition to a greener aviation industry.
Currently, all Airbus aircraft are capable of flying with up to 50% SAF, and the manufacturer is targeting full compatibility with 100% SAF by 2030.

Corporate Travel Goes Greener: easyJet and Airbus Trial Shared Cost Model for SAF

Lufthansa Cargo will adjust its Airfreight Surcharge (ASC) starting January 1, 2025, to account for the rising costs of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) due to mandatory blending regulations. The airline will factor in these additional environmental costs to its pricing structure, particularly for flights departing from European Union (EU) countries, where a 2% SAF blending rate will be required.
Other nations, such as Singapore and India, are also implementing their own SAF quotas, with Singapore mandating 1% SAF by 2026, and India planning quotas between 1-5% by 2027. The EU aims to increase its blending rate to 6% by 2030, while the UK and Japan have set even higher targets of 10%.
Lufthansa Cargo highlights that the increasing cost of SAF cannot be borne solely by the airline industry. While SAF is key to reducing carbon emissions, it is still up to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, and supply remains limited. Lufthansa urges policymakers to provide more robust support to build a competitive SAF market.
Introduced in 2015, the Airfreight Surcharge is designed to cover fluctuating operational costs like fuel and security. The surcharge is adjusted based on a cost index monitored by Lufthansa Cargo. Starting in 2025, SAF costs will also be included in this index.
&nbsp;
As part of its mission to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, Lufthansa Cargo has set ambitious sustainability goals. The airline aims to cut its CO₂ emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2019 levels, through the use of SAF, modern aircraft, and operational efficiency. Its “Sustainable Choice” program also offers customers the option to reduce their carbon footprint with SAF credits and climate protection projects.
&nbsp;
SAF, blended with regular jet fuel, reduces carbon emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle. However, due to its high production costs and limited availability, Lufthansa Cargo stresses the need for governmental action to promote its widespread adoption.

Lufthansa Cargo to Add SAF Costs to Airfreight Surcharge Index from 2025

<a href="https://www.plusultra.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas</a> announced that it has begun the process to obtain the environmental certification IATA IEnvA, which they described as a «key step» within their sustainability program, «Plus Ultra Green.»
«This initiative reinforces our commitment to environmental management and the implementation of best practices to reduce the ecological impact of our operations,» the Spanish airline stated.
The <a href="https://www.iata.org/en/services/certification/environment-sustainability/environmental-assessment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">IATA IEnvA</a> certification is designed to independently assess how various aviation stakeholders are committed to continuously improving their environmental and sustainability performance.
See also: <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2024/07/plus-ultra-incremento-sus-vuelos-a-colombia-y-adelanta-que-sumara-mas-frecuencias-en-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Plus Ultra increased its flights to Colombia and announced more frequencies for 2025</a>
IATA states that the program is based on globally recognized standards and industry best practices, including the ISO 14001 environmental management system standard and the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), making it a comprehensive solution for environmental management.
In this video, Quintin Holder, Senior Manager of Sustainability Standards and Audits at IATA, answers three of the most frequently asked questions about the IEnvA certification:
<iframe loading="lazy" title="IATA Certification | Top 3 IEnvA Questions" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Giqw1PoLZh8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<h3>Plus Ultra Líneas Aéreas Update</h3>
Plus Ultra operates a fleet of five Airbus A330-200 and one Airbus A340-300, both for its own network and for occasional ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) leases to other airlines. 
According to information obtained by Aviacionline through <a href="https://www.cirium.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cirium</a>, the flight schedule for Plus Ultra in September is as follows:
<ul>
<li>Madrid &#8211; Malabo: one weekly flight.</li>
<li>Madrid &#8211; Lima: four weekly flights.</li>
<li>Madrid &#8211; Bogotá &#8211; Cartagena: four weekly flights.</li>
<li>Madrid &#8211; Caracas: four weekly flights.</li>
<li>Tenerife Norte &#8211; Los Rodeos &#8211; Caracas: one weekly flight.</li>
</ul>
This represents a weekly offer of around 18,000 seats.

Plus Ultra begins IATA IEnvA certification process as part of its sustainability push

On August 22, the Brazilian federal government announced the launch of a call for business plans focused on developing Sustainable Aviation and Navigation Fuels. The call, with an investment of BRL 6 billion (1 billion dollars), aims to promote the creation of biorefineries in Brazil, with resources provided by the <a href="https://aviacionline.com/2021/10/bndes-to-finance-the-sale-of-24-embraer-e175-to-skywest/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES)</a> and the Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (FINEP), each contributing BRL 3 billion.
During the announcement, which included the presence of Ministers Luciana Santos (Science, Technology, and Innovation), Geraldo Alckmin (Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services), and Alexandre Silveira (Mines and Energy), the importance of this initiative for the country&#8217;s energy transition was emphasized. Luciana Santos pointed out that the initiative aligns with the New Industry of Brazil, integrating new technological bases with sustainability.
The transport sector accounts for about 25% of global CO₂ emissions, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) of the UN, with maritime transport contributing 3% and aviation 2% of these emissions. The call aims to foster projects that address the development, production, and commercialization of industrial technologies for the creation of sustainable fuel refineries for these sectors.
Vice President and MDIC Minister Geraldo Alckmin emphasized Brazil&#8217;s importance in the global biofuels scenario. “This public call reinforces our commitment to the green economy and positions Brazil as a leader in the global energy transition,” said Alckmin.
<a href="https://aeroin.net/governo-federal-lanca-edital-de-r-6-bilhoes-para-fomentar-combustiveis-sustentaveis-de-aviacao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to our media partner Aeroin</a>, the call is open to Brazilian companies involved in fuel production or in research, technological development, and innovation activities, as well as companies that commercialize the final products of these technologies. Each proposal must present a business plan with a credit requirement of over BRL 20 million.
Minister Alexandre Silveira said Brazil has a unique opportunity to lead the new economy based on sustainability. “The transition that began with sustainability is now a new economy, and Brazil cannot miss this opportunity,” he stated.
The call provides financial support for activities such as research, technological development, engineering projects, pilot plants, working capital, machinery and equipment acquisition, and other related expenses. The submission deadline is October 31.
In addition to the ministers, the event was attended by Celso Pansera, president of FINEP, and Aloizio Mercadante, president of BNDES, among other government representatives. Pansera highlighted Brazil&#8217;s role in the energy transition, stating that with the government&#8217;s industrial policy, the country could become a major player in the production of sustainable fuels.
The project selection process will occur in three stages: presentation of plans, selection of the best projects, and structuring of the Joint Support Plan (PSC) for each business.

Brazil launches 1 billion dollar SAF development program

The U.S. Air Force, through its innovative arm AFWERX (part of the Air Force Laboratory &#8211; AFRL -), is intensifying its efforts in the development of future airborne capabilities. In collaboration with defense contractor MTSI, they are conducting a comprehensive evaluation of Pivotal&#8217;s BlackFly electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
This initiative, part of AFWERX&#8217;s Agility Prime program, seeks not only to evaluate the performance of the aircraft itself, but also to analyze the entire ecosystem surrounding it.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Pivotal | BlackFly Groundbreaking Technology" width="1200" height="675" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NmYuyBKJkA0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
«We&#8217;re not just interested in the aircraft&#8217;s flying capabilities,» said Josh Lane, AFWERX flight test engineer. «We&#8217;re also looking at the infrastructure, including electric charging systems like the DANNAR battery energy storage system and the portable chargers provided by the original equipment manufacturers. We are assessing the overall flight operations in the context of Air Force and other stakeholder concepts of employment.»
A crucial aspect of these tests is the evaluation of the supporting infrastructure. The use of energy storage systems such as DANNAR, provided by another AFWERX partner, is critical to ensure the operability of these aircraft in remote or challenging environments.
<figure id="attachment_331198" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331198" style="width: 2090px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-331198 size-full" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1.jpg" alt="eVTOL BlackFly U.S. Air Force" width="2100" height="1764" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1.jpg 2100w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-300x252.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-1071x900.jpg 1071w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-768x645.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-1536x1290.jpg 1536w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/08/eVTOL-USAF.1-2048x1720.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 2100px) 100vw, 2100px" /></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331198" class="wp-caption-text">eVTOL BLACKFLY during its flight tests for the USAF. Photo: AFWERX</figcaption></figure>
The BlackFly, normally piloted, is being tested in unmanned configuration to explore its potential in a variety of missions, from logistics and material transport to emergency response and surveillance.
According to Jacob Wilson, acting head of AFWERX&#8217;s Agility Prime branch, «We are exploring a wide range of military applications for these vehicles, with the goal of accelerating commercial adoption of these innovations and ensuring a strong industrial base for these technologies.»
See also: <a style="color: #ff0000;" href="http://aviacionline.com/2023/09/joby-delivered-its-first-evtol-air-taxicab-to-the-usaf/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Joby delivered its first eVTOL air taxicab to the USAF</a>
Testing is being conducted at the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence (NAAMCE), a facility specifically designed to advance the development and integration of advanced air mobility technologies. This center has an authorization certification for unmanned flight operations, allowing for a wide range of testing and analysis.
While the potential of eVTOLs is evident, there are still challenges to overcome. Range, payload capacity and battery endurance are critical factors that will determine the viability of these aircraft on the battlefield. In addition, the safe integration of these vehicles into civil and military airspace is another area that requires attention.
AFWERX&#8217;s Agility Prime program represents a significant step toward transforming military air mobility. The results of these tests will be crucial in determining the role eVTOLs will play in the future of combat.

U.S. Air Force moves forward with eVTOL integration: BlackFly tested in unmanned configuration

Air New Zealand announced on Tuesday morning (Auckland time) that it will abandon its carbon intensity reduction targets set for the year 2030, as the current context of the aviation industry does not support them. This also entails leaving the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), representing a harsh reality check that may resonate strongly on a global level.
According to the company in a market statement, these targets are challenging due to issues beyond their direct control, such as the lack of availability of new aircraft, the affordability and availability of alternative fuels, and both global and domestic regulatory and political support.
«In recent months, and more so in the last few weeks, it has also become apparent that potential delays to our fleet renewal plan pose an additional risk to the target’s achievability. It is possible the airline may need to retain its existing fleet for longer than planned due to global manufacturing and supply chain issues that could potentially slow the introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft into the fleet,» said Greg Foran, CEO of Air New Zealand.
The company also assured that they have already begun working on a new short-term carbon emissions reduction target that could better consider this new scenario.
Despite this, Dame Therese Walsh, Chair of Air New Zealand, said that the company maintains the industry-wide commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
«Our work to transition away from fossil fuels continues, as does our advocacy for the global and domestic regulatory and policy settings that will help facilitate Air New Zealand, and the wider aviation system in New Zealand, to do its part to mitigate climate change risks,» Walsh concluded.

Air New Zealand Withdraws 2030 Carbon Reduction Goals Due to Industry Challenges

International Airlines Group (IAG) has reached an agreement with Repsol for the acquisition of more than 28,000 tonnes of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), marking the largest purchase of this kind in Spain to date. This fuel will be used in the group&#8217;s airlines, which include Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, Iberia Express, and Vueling.
The use of SAF allows for an emission reduction of more than 80% compared to traditional kerosene over its life cycle, from production to consumption. The company emphasizes that this voluntary purchase of SAF is a significant step towards the goal of using 2% SAF by 2025, in line with the ReFuelEU Aviation regulation. Additionally, IAG ensures that all its SAF purchases comply with strict sustainability certification systems.
Repsol, which has started producing 100% renewable fuels at its Cartagena plant, highlights that the plant has an annual production capacity of 250,000 tonnes of renewable fuels, including renewable diesel and SAF from waste. “This agreement with IAG consolidates our commitment to 100% renewable fuels as a key lever for the decarbonization of transportation in Spain,” said Josu Jon Imaz, CEO of Repsol.
Luis Gallego, CEO of IAG, indicated that “sustainability is a priority for IAG and is one of the pillars on which we base our strategy and transformation.” He added that “it is important that governments continue to support the creation of a SAF industry that increases its availability and reduces its price. The development of a European SAF industry has the potential to generate thousands of jobs and would make a significant contribution to GDP.”
As of December 31, 2023, IAG&#8217;s investments in SAF amounted to $1 billion, with 86% of those commitments allocated to the future. In 2023, the group’s airlines used more than 53,000 tonnes of SAF, avoiding the emission of more than 157,000 tons of CO2.
IAG and Repsol are pioneers in the decarbonization of aviation in Spain. In 2021, Iberia conducted the first flight in Spain with biofuel produced from waste and, in collaboration with Repsol, operated its first long-haul flights with this type of fuel in 2022. Vueling has also operated flights using SAF produced by Repsol on various routes.
This agreement reinforces the commitment of both companies in the fight against climate change and the development of technologies for the decarbonization of air transport.

IAG and Repsol sign the largest sustainable aviation fuel purchase agreement in Spain

<a href="http://aviacionline.com/2023/12/maeve-aerospace-unveils-80-seat-sustainable-aircraft/" data-type="post" data-id="225799">Maeve</a> announced during the Farnborough Airshow that it has chosen Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada as a partner to design its M80, an 80-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft.



The Maeve M80 aims to offer the performance of a jet and the cost-effectiveness of a turboprop, with a range of up to 1,200 NM. It also aims to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by up to 40% compared to current regional jets, at comparable speeds and altitudes.



Maeve&#8217;s aircraft is expected to enter service by 2032, following an integrated product development plan based on the team&#8217;s experience and lessons learned from various aerospace industrial programs.



Maeve&#8217;s Chief Technology Officer, Martin Nuesseler, stated that «the performance and efficiency of the Maeve M80 will change the regional aviation market, as it combines advanced aerodynamics with revolutionary propulsion technology.»



«Collaboration with Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada at this stage of the program allows us to validate and optimize the design of the aircraft and the hybrid-electric propulsion system, leveraging the full potential of this new and promising technology,» added Nuesseler.



The manufacturer expects the regional aviation market to grow over the next two decades, driven particularly by the need for aircraft with greater passenger capacity in the 70-90 seat range, as well as improved environmental performance.



Maeve&#8217;s strategy is to access this underserved market with a clean aircraft design that sets new standards for sustainability and economy.



Anthony Rossi, Vice President of Sales and Global Marketing at Pratt &amp; Whitney Canada, noted that «achieving the ambitious goals of reducing emissions and making aviation more sustainable will depend on combined efforts to accelerate technological innovation and foster collaboration across our industry.»



«With this spirit, we will collaborate with Maeve, leveraging our growing experience in sustainable propulsion technologies, as well as our unmatched experience driving the regional aviation market for four decades,» added Rossi.



&nbsp;

Maeve chooses Pratt & Whitney for its M80 hybrid regional airliner

In a ceremony held this Thursday at Lilium&#8217;s headquarters in Gauting, near Munich, Saudia Group signed a binding agreement to purchase 50 Lilium Jets, with an option for another 50.
This is the largest purchase of eVTOL aircraft recorded so far by an airline, which Lilium Jet highlighted as a clear sign of commitment to electric aviation by a world-class air operator. It is also the first in the Middle East region.
The first Lilium Jets will be delivered starting in 2026, and the signed agreement includes the pre-delivery deposits and payments program, the future delivery schedule, performance guarantees for the eVTOLs, and the supply of spare parts, maintenance, and repairs. They will have the capacity to transport up to 6 passengers in a premium cabin plus luggage.
“We recognize the critical role that Lilium is positioned to play in enabling us to deliver a sustainable premium aviation experience and transport our guests even closer to their destination. This agreement amplifies our commitment to the Saudi Vision 2030 and is the result of a collaborative effort over the past years between Lilium and Saudia Group to explore how we can best bring eVTOL to the skies of Saudi Arabia. We are looking forward to the journey ahead,” said Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of Saudia Group.
The executive also highlighted how eVTOLs will revolutionize passenger transportation by opening new routes thanks to their vertical take-off and landing capabilities. “Imagine traveling up to 175 kilometers at speeds of 250 kilometers per hour, saving valuable time compared to traditional options. This technology also tackles traffic congestion head-on. Business travelers and exhibition attendees will benefit tremendously from the ease and speed of electric aircraft, allowing them to seamlessly attend and participate in events. These innovative vehicles will also be a game-changer for tourism, sports, and entertainment, offering a premium travel experience for these exciting destinations,” he concluded.
Saudia expects to introduce the Lilium Jets on routes such as Jeddah to Mecca to reduce regional travel times by up to 90%, and also to generate new tourist flows to destinations that are currently difficult to access in Saudi Arabia.
“We are proud of our partnership with a market leading airline such as Saudia. And we are thrilled to be pioneering progress in the eVTOL industry as the eVTOL manufacturer with the largest reported firm purchase order from an international airline that plans to operate the aircraft. The Middle East is a priority for Lilium, and Saudi Arabia will be a very large and exciting market for electric, high-speed regional air mobility. Our partnership will combine Saudia Group’s significant market knowledge with our unique eVTOL technology to transform premium class air travel in the GCC region,” concluded Klaus Roewe, CEO of Lilium.
The German manufacturer has accumulated 106 firm orders and reservations, 76 options, and 600 orders reached through Memorandums of Understanding.

Major Push for eVTOL: Saudia Group Commits to Buying Up to 100 Lilium Jets

The first synthetic oil production plant for the manufacturing of <a href="http://aviacionline.com2024/04/westjet-adquiere-saf-suministrado-en-canada/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">sustainable aviation fuels (SAF)</a> has been inaugurated in Brazil. The facility was built at the Itaipu Binational biodigestion plant in Foz do Iguaçu.
The plant began operations on June 17th, using biogas as the primary carbon source for hydrocarbon production.
<a href="https://aeroin.net/inaugurada-a-primeira-planta-do-brasil-para-producao-de-combustivel-sustentavel-de-aviacao/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">According to our partner site AEROIN</a>, the plant will produce biogas from organic waste. The material is sent to the biodigestion system, where organic matter is converted into biogas.
The product is then stored, treated, and sent to the gas-to-liquid conversion plant. After processing, the material is directed to the dry reforming reactor, where Syngas is produced and subsequently refined with green hydrogen.
Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filho, stated, «We realize that more than ever, the world is entering the international environmental agenda, one that embraces sustainability. The world wants to produce more and more, but wants to continue doing so in a clean, sustainable manner. Brazil is undoubtedly positioning itself as a window of opportunity.»
The inauguration of this production plant positions Brazil as a potential producer and exporter of SAF.
Rafael González, Director General of the International Center for Renewable Energies, noted that «What we are producing today is a significant step for a range of products in the chemical and fuel industries. It allows us to test, evaluate, and most importantly, set criteria to scale up our production.»
«I would also like to highlight that this project was only possible thanks to the pooling of expertise from our partners,» he added.
<h2>International Partnership</h2>
The new Renewable Hydrocarbons production unit was made possible by a 1.8 million Euro investment from the German government through the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The new plant will produce 6 kilograms of bio-crude per day, a mixture of hydrocarbons synthesized from biogas and green hydrogen, which will be used to produce SAF.
The invested funds are directly linked to the federal government&#8217;s efforts toward energy transition. Investing in new sustainable energy sources is crucial to mitigating the effects of climate change affecting the entire planet.
In line with this directive, earlier this month, the Ministry of Ports and Airports (MPor) announced the creation of a Working Group to discuss sustainability actions and objectives in the aviation sector.

Brazil: inauguration of SAF’s first production facility

Archer and Signature Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to build the necessary infrastructure for air taxi services at United Airlines hubs that the manufacturer aims to promote. If timelines are met, services should begin by the end of next year.
The MoU will drive the electrification of Signature&#8217;s terminals, giving Archer access to takeoff and landing sites in metropolitan areas across the U.S. Signature is a fixed-base operator (FBO) that operates a network of private aviation bases at more than 200 locations in 27 countries. Together with Archer, they will install combined charging systems (CCS) manufactured by BETA in its network of over 200 terminals.
These systems can charge electric aircraft, cars, tugs, buses, and other airport vehicles. The system has already been installed at more than 20 airports, with around 50 more being deployed. The launch of the cooperation between Signature and Archer will take place at Newark (EWR) and Chicago O&#8217;Hare (ORD) airports.
<h4>Related Content: <a style="color: #ff9900;" href="http://aviacionline.com2023/11/dubai-airshow-2023-archer-firma-un-memorando-por-100-evtol/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dubai Airshow 2023: Archer firma un memorando por 100 eVTOL</a></h4>
Bryan Bernhard, Director of Growth and Infrastructure at Archer, stated that they are «excited to join forces with Signature Aviation to advance the implementation of the necessary infrastructure for the future of urban air mobility. Electrifying key assets brings us closer to sustainable and efficient air travel.» Meanwhile, Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer at Signature Aviation, added: «we are committed to shaping the future of aviation through sustainability, so we are thrilled to work with Archer.»
The companies plan to electrify launch locations by 2025, with further expansion planned across the entire Signature network gradually. Archer aims to transform urban travel by replacing 60-90 minute car journeys with 10-20 minute electric air taxi flights. The e-VTOL Midnight, designed and built by Archer, will be used for quick flights with minimal charging time.

Archer and Signature Aviation Collaborate on Air Taxi Infrastructure

<a href="http://aviacionline.com/2024/06/el-comac-arj21-realizo-su-primer-vuelo-internacional-comercial-en-asia-central/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COMAC</a> completed the first flight using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with an ARJ21 and a C919. The aircraft flew for over an hour during the initial demonstration mission, and refueled with SAF.
The ARJ21 took off from Shanghai Pudong Airport, while the C919 departed from Dongying Airport in Shandong. Both aircraft demonstrated excellent performance using SAF produced in China.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-247422 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/COMAC-919.jpg" alt="" width="2048" height="1364" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-919.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-919-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-919-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-919-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-919-1536x1023.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" />
SAF is a type of alternative liquid aviation fuel made from renewable raw materials such as waste oils and fats, household garbage, and energy crops. It can also be synthetic fuels made from carbon dioxide captured from atmospheric or industrial emissions.
This sustainable fuel can reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% over its entire lifecycle compared to conventional aviation fuels.
<h2>COMAC Joins Its Competitors</h2>
COMAC aligns with its main competitors, Airbus and Boeing, in the use of SAF in their aircraft. For the past two decades, manufacturers, along with major airlines and companies in the aviation sector, have been researching the practical application of SAF.
The first airline to use 100% SAF in a commercial flight was Virgin Atlantic with a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in November 2023, and the first airport to sell sustainable aviation fuel was Oslo in 2016.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-247421 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/COMAC-ARJ21.jpg" alt="" width="2048" height="1364" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-ARJ21.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-ARJ21-300x200.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-ARJ21-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-ARJ21-768x512.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/COMAC-ARJ21-1536x1023.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" />
In China, over ten national companies and research institutes are conducting R&amp;D and production activities for SAF. Several airlines have already conducted commercial test flights using domestically produced sustainable aviation fuels.
Since 2022, COMAC has been planning the application of SAF in domestically produced commercial aircraft. The Chinese company has conducted extensive research on the technical standards and test flight methods of SAF both domestically and internationally, as well as technological research and verification of SAF in loaded aircraft.
In February 2024, it obtained approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for airworthiness with SAF. Domestic commercial aircraft are now refueled with eco-friendly aviation fuel, meeting the diverse needs of customers.
<h2>Chinese-produced SAF</h2>
The SAF used by COMAC is independently developed and produced by SINOPEC, using waste oil from food processing, commonly known as «gutter oil».
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-247419 aligncenter" src="http://aviacionline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SAF-de-produccion-china.jpg" alt="" width="2048" height="1536" srcset="https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/SAF-de-produccion-china.jpg 2048w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/SAF-de-produccion-china-300x225.jpg 300w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/SAF-de-produccion-china-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/SAF-de-produccion-china-768x576.jpg 768w, https://aviacionlinecdn.eleco.com.ar/media/2024/06/SAF-de-produccion-china-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" />
Once recycled, the used oil is processed in the first national industrial plant built by SINOPEC Zhenhai Refining to produce SAF, realizing the eco-friendly utilization of resources.
The volumetric blend ratio of this aviation biofuel with the most commonly used aviation fuel is 40%, and all physical parameters match those of traditional petroleum-derived fuels, conforming to national standards and industry requirements.

COMAC successfully completed the first flight with SAF on an ARJ21 and a C919

AURA AERO and Airbus Protect have signed a cooperation agreement aimed at certifying the ERA, a 19-seater hybrid-electric aircraft developed by AURA AERO.
Both companies will share their expertise and collaborate on safety, cybersecurity, and sustainability aspects of the ERA program and its production means. According to the company, this partnership aims to support a smooth and secure ERA certification process and production schedule.
For Airbus Protect, this partnership is an opportunity to expand its expertise in new technologies such as hybrid propulsion and all-electric systems, as well as in the general aviation regulatory framework (CS-23).
Jérémy Caussade, CEO of AURA AERO, stated, «This new collaboration with Airbus, the world leader in civil aviation, is not only a true mark of confidence in the work of the AURA AERO teams but is also of course an extra guarantee of success for the ERA program, with which we will decarbonize regional aviation as soon as 2030.»
Thierry Racaud, CEO of Airbus Protect, added, “Working with AURA AERO demonstrates the capability of the Airbus Protect team to help companies across the aviation industry to manage risks at every level, not only dealing with safety and cybersecurity challenges but also sustainability aspects and contributing to the decarbonisation of regional aviation.”

AURA AERO and Airbus Protect Collaborate on Hybrid-Electric ERA Aircraft Certification

La tecnología de Honeywell utiliza residuos sólidos, que probablemente se conocen como basura y biomasa, o residuos de sitios forestales y agrícolas, para desarrollar SAF que sea un 90% menos intensivo en carbono que los combustibles para aviones tradicionales.
Cómo funciona: La tecnología utiliza basura y biomasa de desecho (que incluye restos de cultivos, trozos de madera o restos de comida) como materia prima para crear SAF. La tecnología produce entre un 3% y un 5% más de SAF en comparación con otras tecnologías de uso común.
Los SAF se pueden fabricar a partir de una variedad de fuentes o materias primas, como grasas, aceites y grasas usados, biomasa residual y otros materiales de desecho. El resultado es una alternativa con bajas emisiones de carbono al combustible para aviones convencional que, hoy en día, se puede mezclar con hasta un 50% del combustible para aviones tradicional para propulsar un avión y es compatible con la actual infraestructura aeroportuaria y de abastecimiento de combustible, lo que la convierte en una solución inmediata.
Por qué tiene impacto: A nivel mundial, la industria de la aviación se compromete a alcanzar emisiones netas de carbono cero para 2050. La Asociación Internacional de Transporte Aéreo estima que SAF podría contribuir con alrededor del 65 % de la reducción de emisiones necesaria para que el sector de la aviación alcance su objetivo de emisiones netas cero. Debido a las limitaciones de grasas y aceites disponibles a nivel mundial para su uso como materia prima, se necesitarán múltiples vías tecnológicas para satisfacer la demanda esperada de SAF.
El uso de biomasa y desechos sólidos municipales (en otras palabras, basura) como materia prima es una ruta especialmente viable para la producción de SAF porque utiliza materiales muy abundantes.
Honeywell también ha desarrollado tecnologías que pueden ayudar a convertir el etanol (de maíz, caña de azúcar u otros cultivos) en SAF; así como Honeywell UOP Ecofining TM , un proceso que utiliza grasas, aceites y grasas residuales para desarrollar SAF. Además, el proceso Honeywell UOP eFining TM convierte hidrógeno verde y dióxido de carbono en electrocombustibles (eFuels para abreviar) , que son una clase de combustibles renovables que pueden reemplazar el combustible para aviones convencional.

Sustainable Aviation