AeroTime
• Stephen Pope
American Airlines operated a commercial passenger flight using electro sustainable aviation fuel after receiving what it described as the first delivery of non-biobased SAF to a U.S. commercial airport. The milestone demonstrates progress toward expanding synthetic fuel use within the commercial aviation supply chain.
SAF
Latest source-backed stories
American Airlines operated a commercial passenger flight using electro sustainable aviation fuel after receiving what it described as the first delivery of non-biobased SAF to a U.S. commercial airport. The milestone demonstrates progress toward expanding synthetic fuel use within the commercial aviation supply chain.
Draft German legislation implementing the EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation would fine airlines €1,332 ($1,535) per metric ton for excessive fuel tankering and failures to meet mandatory sustainable aviation fuel blending quotas. The measures would add direct financial consequences to airlines’ fuel procurement and compliance decisions.
High activity
Ampaire has begun real-world hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrations in Utah, flying a modified Cessna Skymaster on a three-leg mission along the I-15 corridor between California and Utah. The FAA-DOT eVTOL Integration Pilot Program effort will test potential regional cargo operations, while Ampaire plans to convert Cessna Grand Caravans for freight and passenger service.
A Brazilian company backed by Mubadala Capital plans to invest $3 billion in producing sustainable aviation fuel from macauba fruit, harvested from palm trees. The proposed project links an emerging biofuel feedstock to large-scale SAF ambitions in Brazil and could expand the sector’s alternative supply base.
A Gates-founded firm is backing a startup developing lower-carbon jet fuel produced from hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The investment targets a potentially cheaper pathway to produce clean aviation fuel by converting hydrogen and CO2 into jet-range hydrocarbons, aiming to scale decarbonized fuel supply.
High activity
Delta Air Lines joined Minnesota officials to celebrate the opening of a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blending facility serving Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport. The project is designed to expand SAF access at Delta’s second-largest hub, adding a second MSP SAF facility for supply growth.
Delta and other carriers have announced new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives, but the cluster’s central message is that meeting airline SAF targets will require a major “step-change” in technology advancements. The road to net-zero ambitions remains steep despite growing commitments.
FAA Deputy Administrator Rocheleau says the Dec. 31, 2030 deadline for unleaded avgas may need to be moved if a suitable fuel isn’t available by then. The acknowledgement signals timeline risk tied to fuel production and availability rather than regulatory design.
Create a free account to see more recent SAF stories and keep bookmarks in one place.
