The Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) and consultancy ICF have announced an agreement to develop a roadmap for reducing aviation emissions in the region. The initiative aims to adapt decarbonization strategies to the operational, economic, and regulatory characteristics of Latin America and the Caribbean, considering that solutions applied in other regions may not be viable.The study will analyze policies and scenarios in 11 strategic countries, including Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, the Bahamas, Argentina, El Salvador, and the Dominican Republic. The first findings are expected to be presented at the 42nd Assembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), while the final report will be delivered at the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30).<h3>Key Factors and Study Objectives</h3>The analysis will cover regulatory and economic aspects, such as the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) and policy development for the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). It will also examine carbon offset mechanisms and strategies to strengthen regional carbon credit markets."Aviation in the region is taking an essential step toward decarbonization in a realistic, efficient, and economically viable manner," said José Ricardo Botelho, CEO of ALTA.Additionally, the study will align with ICAO’s Long-Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG), ensuring a progressive reduction of emissions without compromising the competitiveness of airlines in the region.<h3>Industry Perspectives</h3>From ICF, Dan Galpin, Director of Aviation, Travel &amp; Tourism, emphasized: "Continuing our track record of supporting and guiding the aviation sector in its journey toward sustainability, we are delighted to build, together with ALTA, a regional perspective on the decarbonization goals that airlines have committed to."Meanwhile, Marco Larson, Chairman of ALTA’s Sustainability Committee and Sustainability Leader at SKY Airline, highlighted the importance of an approach tailored to local conditions: "Through coordinated efforts with key industry players, this initiative will lay the foundation for the energy transition and have a real impact on the sector's sustainability."Juan Carlos Salazar, Secretary General of ICAO, praised the initiative and encouraged global experts to evaluate the study’s findings: "I congratulate ALTA and its member airlines for this effort, which will undoubtedly contribute key elements to achieving carbon neutrality in aviation."<h3>Next Steps</h3>Details of the project will be presented at the ALTA Fuel &amp; Sustainability Conference 2025, scheduled to take place March 25–27. During the event, government representatives and industry leaders will discuss the most viable strategies for reducing aviation emissions in Latin America and the Caribbean.

ALTA and ICF Announce Agreement to Develop a Roadmap for Reducing Aviation Emissions in Latin America and the Caribbean

Airbus, in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), has announced an agreement to conduct feasibility studies on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for Argentina, Panama, and Peru. The announcement was made during the 18th Meeting of Civil Aviation Authorities of the South American Region, held in São Paulo.As part of this agreement, Airbus has committed to contributing to ICAO’s Voluntary Environmental Fund to support the studies. These analyses will feed into ICAO’s Assistance, Capacity Building, and Training Programme for SAF (ACT-SAF), which aims to help nations develop the capabilities needed to create and implement sustainable aviation fuels.<h3>A Landmark Initiative for Airbus and SAF Development</h3>This initiative marks the first time an ACT-SAF feasibility study has been funded by an aerospace industry player, reinforcing Airbus’ commitment to leading aviation decarbonization efforts, according to aviation news outlet Aeroin.Investment in SAF is considered crucial for achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Currently, the use of SAF can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over its lifecycle.Airbus is intensifying its support for large-scale SAF development and collaborating with airlines, airports, manufacturers, research institutions, and civil aviation authorities worldwide.The goal is to advance the SAF ecosystem by addressing regulatory and policy challenges as well as supply and demand factors.<h3>A Significant Step for Latin America</h3>This announcement is particularly important for Latin America, a region that has made progress in developing regulatory frameworks for SAF in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, and Chile.

Airbus and ICAO Partner to Study Sustainable Aviation Fuel Feasibility in Argentina, Panama, and Peru

Aena has once again been recognized in the highest evaluation category of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) for its commitment to combating climate change. According to the company, this is the third consecutive year it has received this rating, placing it above the European and airport sector average.<h3>CDP Evaluation and Criteria</h3>CDP, a non-profit organization that collects and analyzes environmental data from companies and cities worldwide, awarded Aena an A- rating in its 2025 report. This score is based on transparency, the comprehensiveness of disclosed information, risk and opportunity assessments related to climate change, emission reduction strategies, and sustainability achievements.According to CDP, ratings range from A (highest) to D (lowest), allowing comparisons between companies within the same sector or region. In its latest analysis, CDP evaluated 24,800 companies and 1,100 cities worldwide.<h3>Commitment to Net Zero</h3>Aena highlights that its recognition in the CDP index aligns with its Sustainability Strategy, which includes its Climate Action Plan. This plan outlines measures to reduce emissions both within its operations and across third-party activities at its airports.As part of its climate strategy, Aena has brought forward its net-zero emissions target to 2030, two decades ahead of the global industry commitment. As an intermediate step, the company aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2026 through decarbonization initiatives across its airport network.Additionally, Aena participates in other sustainability initiatives, including the Airport Carbon Accreditation program, the S&amp;P Global Dow Jones Index, and Sustainalytics’ assessments, reinforcing its leadership in environmental management and emissions reduction.

Aena Maintains Top CDP Rating for Climate Action Leadership

LATAM Airlines Group has been included in the Sustainability Yearbook 2025 by S&amp;P Global, a report that highlights the world's top-performing companies in sustainability. To qualify, companies must rank within the top 15% of their industry in S&amp;P Global’s Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA). In the 2025 edition, over 7,690 companies were evaluated, with only 780 making the final list—including just six from the aviation sector.According to LATAM Airlines Group, in the latest CSA assessment, the company was ranked as the most sustainable airline group in the Americas and the fifth most sustainable worldwide.<h3>LATAM’s Sustainability Strategy</h3>LATAM Airlines Group outlines its sustainability strategy around three key pillars:<ol><li>Climate Change</li><li>Circular Economy</li><li>Shared Value</li></ol>The airline’s primary sustainability goals include:<ul><li>Achieving carbon neutrality by 2050</li><li>Eliminating single-use plastics from its operations</li><li>Reducing landfill waste</li></ul>Since 2020, LATAM has:<ul><li>Offset more than 1.9 million tons of CO₂</li><li>Contributed to the conservation of over 300,000 hectares of floodable savannas in Colombia, a crucial ecosystem for carbon capture</li><li>Reduced single-use plastic usage by 97%, equivalent to more than 1,700 tons</li></ul><h3>Solidarity Through Aviation</h3>Through its “Avión Solidario” (Solidarity Plane) program, LATAM has:<ul><li>Transported over 6,660 people and 779 tons of cargo for free since 2021</li><li>Partnered with nearly 50 organizations across five South American countries</li><li>Supported humanitarian efforts with organizations such as Teletón, Chilean Firefighters (Bomberos de Chile), and Coaniquem</li></ul>LATAM Airlines Group continues to strengthen its sustainability efforts, reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility and social impact in the aviation industry.

LATAM Airlines Recognized in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2025

Airbus announced on Friday (7) that it has postponed its plans to develop a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft until the mid-2030s, citing slower-than-expected progress in necessary technologies.The decision marks a setback for the European aerospace giant's ambition to lead the adoption of hydrogen fuel, a goal actively championed by CEO Guillaume Faury since the project’s launch five years ago, according to our partner outlet, <a href="https://aeroin.net/airbus-adia-o-desenvolvimento-de-aeronave-a-hidrogenio-devido-a-avancos-tecnologicos-lentos/">Aeroin</a>.Although Airbus has not set a new timeline for the initiative, the Force Ouvrière union reported that employees were informed last week that the technology is lagging five to ten years behind the pace needed to meet the original 2035 target. French news agency AFP was the first to report on the delay.Airbus representatives also acknowledged that a hydrogen-powered aircraft—likely a turboprop with around 100 seats—would only make a marginal contribution to the aviation sector’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. However, they argued that the effort would help pave the way for broader adoption in the future.<h2>Aviation Industry Now Relies on SAF for Sustainability</h2>With the hydrogen project on hold, the aviation industry is now primarily relying on Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as part of its environmental strategy. However, the sector faces supply shortages from energy providers.Analysts also noted that the ambitious hydrogen project helped ease political concerns about aviation’s environmental impact in certain European countries, while also unlocking crucial funding for the industry during the COVID-19 crisis.Despite the delay, Faury remains firm in his belief that hydrogen will play a role in aviation’s ecosystem in the coming decades, emphasizing that Europe must take the lead in this transition.His stance contrasts with Boeing’s more skeptical outlook. At last year’s Farnborough Airshow, Boeing executives raised concerns about the safety and technical feasibility of hydrogen-powered aviation.<h2>Environmental Concerns Persist Over Hydrogen Production</h2>Some environmental groups argue that hydrogen production still carries ecological costs due to the significant energy required for its generation.The decision to pause the hydrogen project, known as ZEROe, comes just a week after Airbus Helicopters scrapped its plans for the CityAirbus NextGen urban mobility vehicle, also citing uncertainties in battery technology advancements.

Airbus Delays Hydrogen-Powered Commercial Aircraft Project Until Mid-Next Decade

Airbus has decided to postpone the launch of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, the CityAirbus NextGen, due to concerns over the energy density of current batteries. The company considers that the available battery technology does not meet the necessary requirements for viable commercial operations.The CityAirbus NextGen is a fully electric prototype designed to carry up to four passengers, with an operational range of 80 km and a cruising speed of 120 km/h. Its configuration includes fixed wings, a V-shaped tail, and eight electric propellers.Despite progress in the development of the prototype, Airbus has decided to reassess the project due to the current limitations of lithium-ion batteries, which offer an energy density of approximately 250 Wh/kg. This capacity is insufficient for the projected operational demands of the eVTOL.The company will continue researching and developing electric propulsion technologies and related systems, but the commercial launch of the CityAirbus NextGen will be delayed until significant advances in battery technology are achieved.

Airbus postpones the launch of the CityAirbus NextGen due to battery limitations

Boeing has announced a strategic partnership with Norsk e-Fuel, a company specializing in the production of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). This agreement aims to develop one of the first industrial-scale facilities in Europe for SAF production using Power-to-Liquids (PtL) technology.The plant will use fossil-free energy to produce green hydrogen. This hydrogen will be combined with recycled CO₂ from biogenic sources to generate a type of fuel known as electro-SAF or e-SAF. According to Norsk e-Fuel, this process could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to traditional aviation fuels.Boeing's investment seeks to accelerate the availability of SAF in the Nordic countries and other global markets. This aligns with the international commitments of the aviation industry and ICAO member states to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.In 2024, sustainable fuels represented only 0.53% of the global commercial aviation fuel consumption. However, the European Union, through the RefuelEU SAF initiative, has set ambitious goals: achieving 6% SAF by 2030 and 70% by 2050. Within these targets, specific sub-goals for e-SAF are also included, such as 1.2% by 2030 and 35% by 2050.<h3>Strategic collaboration</h3>The partnership combines Boeing's expertise in sustainable fuels with Norsk e-Fuel's technology and its network of partners, which includes Norwegian, Norway’s leading airline. This joint effort aims to facilitate access to SAF and ensure its competitiveness against fossil fuels.“This agreement marks an important milestone for Norsk e-Fuel, confirming the positive development of the project. Additionally, it reinforces the need for a political environment that supports the production of sustainable fuels in Norway,” said Geir Karlsen, CEO of Norwegian.Boeing emphasized that this collaboration will not only strengthen energy security in the Nordic countries but also support the transition to more sustainable aviation globally, contributing to international decarbonization goals.

Boeing and Norsk e-Fuel to develop an electro-SAF plant in Norway

<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.
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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.
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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.
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«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.

Sustainable Aviation