Spotlight: Sustainable Air Travel News Highlights
Airline leaders call for "radical collaboration." A focus on aviation industry's sustainable aviation fuel efforts. United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund earns recognition. Alaska Airlines enables travelers to purchase SAF credits / earn status. Emirates begins SAF use at Heathrow. SWISS implements AeroSHARK tech. And much more...
Brands in the news: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Airbus, Boeing, Emirates, Swissport, Lufthansa, Iberia, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Google, Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA), UN Tourism and many more.
Industry leaders advocate for ‘radical collaboration’ at Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024
“The Sustainable Skies World Summit 2024 witnessed a strong call for “radical collaboration” among government, aviation fuel providers, and the wider industry to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.”
How airlines are working to create sustainable fuel to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint
“When discussing greenhouse gas emissions, the focus is usually on cars and trucks since they generate the most. But the aviation sector is under pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Science correspondent Miles O'Brien looks at efforts to create greener fuels for the skies.”
[United] Inside the $200 million fund that’s working to make jet fuel more sustainable
“Right now, sustainable aviation fuel, or alternative jet fuel made from nonfossil sources, powers less than 0.1% of planes in the U.S. That’s both because there’s so little of it available and because it’s expensive. But a fund launched by United Airlines is working to quickly scale up the tiny SAF industry.”
Southwest Airlines invests in sustainable aviation fuel
“Boilermaker Anthony Gregory recently attended the High Performance Low Carbon Liquid Fuels Summit. Gregory, who works as renewable ventures chief operating officer at Southwest Airlines, discussed sustainable aviation fuel.”
Alaska Airlines Passengers Can Now Earn Status Upgrades For Offsetting Emissions
“Known for its organizational commitment to sustainability, Alaska Airlines has taken the next step in signaling demand for Sustainable Aviation Fuel by allowing passengers to buy SAF credits with each ticket purchased.”
Airbus, Delta, Plug Power, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport study feasibility of hydrogen hub at world’s busiest airport
“Airbus, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), Delta Air Lines and Plug Power have joined forces to study the feasibility of a hydrogen-based hub at the world’s busiest airport in support of advancing a more sustainable future of travel. The study, which preliminarily launched earlier this year, will help define the infrastructure, operational viability, and safety and security requirements needed to implement hydrogen as a potential fuel source for future aircraft operations at ATL.”
Emirates Begins Operating With Sustainable Aviation Fuel At London Heathrow
“Emirates is expanding SAF opportunities across its network and has now added London Heathrow to the destinations where it operates flights using sustainable aviation fuel. With this, the carrier has become part of London Heathrow’s SAF Incentive Programme, which strives for affordability and accessibility for airlines operating at the airport.”
SWISS Adopts Carbon-Efficient Aeroshark Technology
“Swiss International Air Lines (LX) has became the world's first passenger airline to implement the carbon-efficient AeroSHARK film technology that reduces aircraft carbon emissions. This technology improves aircraft performance and reduce carbon emissions during flight.”
How Lufthansa is using data to reduce costs and improve spend and carbon transparency
“Partnering with SAP, the airline developed a clear view of their data, integrating multiple sources from across their global business network. McKinsey’s Spendscape then provided a full understanding of procurement spend—and insights into Scope 3 emissions.”
The clever way Google is using AI to make flying greener
“At Google, researchers are using artificial intelligence to help predict where contrails will form so that pilots can adjust course. In a six-month test on dozens of American Airlines flights between 2022 and early 2023, the approach helped reduce contrails by 54%.”
The Latest on Delta Air Lines' Sustainability Efforts
“In a recently released Environmental, Social and Governance report, Delta Air Lines says it took meaningful steps in 2023 toward achieving its operational goal of net-zero emissions.”
Corporations buy into sustainable fuel certificates to address air travel emissions
“As the aviation industry searches for ways to fly net-zero planes, corporations are seeking ways to reduce, or offset, the carbon footprint of their business travel.”
Iberia focuses on sustainability with the new Airbus A321XLR
“Starting next winter, Iberia will put into service the first A321XLR, a single-aisle aircraft that enables transoceanic flights and uses around 30% less fuel than conventional wide-body aircraft.”
Turkish Airlines and UN Tourism to work on sustainable tourism
“As the airline flying to more countries than any other airline in the world, Turkish Airlines will be collaborating with UN Tourism to achieve common objectives. This partnership will focus on promoting sustainable tourism practices, fostering aviation development, and advocating the expansion of public and private sector cooperation to bolster advancements in air connectivity, especially in emerging destinations.”
Singapore airlines advances sustainability efforts with Neste SAF partnership
“Singapore Airlines Group has reached a significant agreement with specialist supplier Neste to procure 1,000 tonnes of neat sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This sustainable fuel will be blended with conventional jet fuel and supplied to Singapore’s Changi Airport fuel hydrant system in two shipments scheduled for the second and fourth quarters of 2024.”