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Ampaire begins Utah hybrid-electric flight demonstrations under FAA-DOT pilot program

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.

Bloomberg

Mubadala-backed Brazilian venture plans $3 billion macauba-based sustainable aviation fuel project

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.

Bloomberg

Gates-backed startup invests in lower-carbon jet fuel from hydrogen and captured CO2

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.

AeroTime

High activity

Delta opens sustainable aviation fuel blending facility at Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP)

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.

FlightGlobal

Airlines’ sustainable aviation fuel push faces “step-change” tech gap to reach net zero

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.

AINonline

FAA: unleaded avgas mandate deadline to potentially slip past Dec. 31, 2030 if supply can’t keep up

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.

AeroTime

High activity

Turkish Airlines leases 7 A321-200NX, orders 12 pilot training simulators from HAVELSAN, and joins SAFFA Fund; Korean Air signs

Turkish Airlines will expand by leasing seven A321-200NX aircraft from CALC and has placed an order for 12 pilot training devices with HAVELSAN as new simulator facilities open from 2027. The carrier also agreed to participate in the SAFFA Fund. Korean Air signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration to counter illegal wildlife trafficking.

FlightGlobal

SMI targets top-10 busiest airports for a large-scale SAF scaling initiative backed by King Charles

SMI says it is pursuing participation from the world’s 10 busiest airports in a large-scale sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiative, aiming to scale up SAF volumes. The program is framed around backing and momentum from the King Charles-led push to expand SAF availability and production.