Latest news with #SustainableAviationFuel
Business Wire
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Wire
ATOBA Energy and Air Moana Forge Strategic Partnership to Accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel Deployment in French Polynesia
LYON, France & PAPEETE, French Polynesia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ATOBA Energy and Air Moana have signed an agreement to implement scalable solutions for the supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This strategic collaboration aims to ensure long-term SAF availability while supporting local initiatives to develop sustainable fuel production in Tahiti. "ATOBA is an ideal partner for Air Moana thanks to its deep industry knowledge and technology-neutral sourcing solutions, well suited to remote regions like ours" said Lionel GUERIN, CEO of Air Moana Share It marks a major step forward in the decarbonization of aviation in the Pacific region. As part of this agreement, ATOBA Energy will work with Air Moana to build a resilient and competitive SAF supply chain, aligned with Air Moana's progressive sustainability goals from 2026 to 2035. The strategy will combine the 'book and claim' method (certificate-based) with physical SAF deliveries. The partnership also includes the ambition to support French Polynesia's SAF roadmap, with ATOBA bringing its expertise in SAF production technologies, market analysis, and implementation strategies. 'We are very proud to collaborate with Air Moana, as this partnership reflects the core of ATOBA's mission: to be a flexible, pragmatic, and customer-focused SAF provider,' said Arnaud NAMER, CEO of ATOBA Energy. 'Providing a hybrid approach of certificates and physical deliveries allows us to meet the needs of airlines while developing the SAF value chain. This is our first step in rolling out our ambitions in the Asia-Pacific region.' Air Moana has expressed its intention to enter into a 10-year SAF offtake agreement to progressively increase its supply of sustainable fuel between 2026 and 2035, with decarbonization targets aligned with the European SAF mandate. 'We are proud to partner with ATOBA to bring cleaner skies to French Polynesia,' said Lionel GUERIN, CEO of Air Moana. 'This Memorandum of Understanding reflects our long-term vision and our commitment to leading the sustainable transition of aviation in the Pacific. ATOBA is an ideal partner for Air Moana thanks to its deep industry knowledge and technology-neutral sourcing solutions, well suited to remote regions like ours. We are proud to be both the first ATR operator and the first Pacific-based airline to launch such a project.' About ATOBA Energy ATOBA is an intermediary aggregator of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that aims to accelerate the energy transition in the aviation sector by resolving the financial dilemma between airlines and producers. ATOBA offers long-term SAF contracts at optimized prices to airlines and fuel resellers. The company guarantees security and competitiveness to its partners through diversified supply sources and high-level expertise. ATOBA's aggregation strategy also helps develop the SAF industry by providing producers with long-term purchase agreements that support their final investment decisions for production plants. About Air Moana – Te mana no te ma'iti (The power to choose) Air Moana, a regional airline based in French Polynesia, began operations in February 2023 and currently operates three ATR 72-600 aircraft. Air Moana's mission is to make the Polynesian skies accessible to as many people as possible while offering a unique travel experience. Air Moana aims to become a key player in inter-island mobility while respecting the environmental balance of French Polynesia. Air Moana serves the islands of Bora Bora, Huahine, Raiatea, Moorea, Rangiroa, Fakarava, as well as the Marquesas Islands of Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa from Tahiti. Air Moana is a family of over 240 passionate and dedicated people, united by the desire to provide the best possible experience. Our commitment goes beyond flying. Through our CSR policy, we aim to enrich the community, reduce our environmental footprint, support the local economy, and promote our territory and its people, playing a key role in the development of French Polynesia's future. We look forward to welcoming you on board!
Fintech News ME
3 days ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
Air Europa's Investment Potential in the GCC Aviation Market
Javier Hidalgo is once again positioning Globalia—and its airline Air Europa—at the center of global aviation's most strategic routes. The recent launch of the direct route between Madrid and Abu Dhabi, in partnership with Etihad Airways, not only strengthens commercial ties between Europe and the Gulf but also showcases the group's long-term international strategy. 'The opening of the Abu Dhabi route marks a milestone in Air Europa's growth, both in terms of connectivity and global positioning,' said Javier Hidalgo, CEO of Globalia. A strategic bridge with Etihad Airways On June 25, 2025, Air Europa and Etihad Airways officially launched their new intercontinental route, connecting Madrid and Abu Dhabi. The partnership includes a codeshare agreement, enabling passengers from Spain and Latin America to access over 40 destinations across Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania through Etihad's hub. This agreement enhances Air Europa's relevance in long-haul travel and strengthens its footprint in a region with rising demand and investment opportunities. A sustainable and profitable airline Air Europa's ability to attract international attention stems from more than just its network. Since 2015, the company has reduced its CO₂ emissions by over 21%, as confirmed in its 2024 Sustainability Report. With a goal of reaching 30% by 2030, the airline is implementing structural changes focused on: Fleet modernization, including the addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and the first 737 MAX. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) use on routes such as Madrid-Havana and Madrid-Buenos Aires. Technological innovation, such as OptiClimb and electric ground vehicles. This transformation is part of the 'Vuelo 2030' strategic plan, with more than 40 environmental and operational actions in progress. 'We're demonstrating that sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand in aviation,' emphasized Javier Hidalgo. Why the Gulf sees potential in Air Europa The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region has become a hotspot for strategic investments in European airlines. Sovereign wealth funds like ADQ (Abu Dhabi), QIA (Qatar), and PIF (Saudi Arabia) have previously backed players such as IAG, Lufthansa, and ITA Airways. Air Europa, with its modern fleet, Latin American connectivity, and green transformation plan, represents an attractive partner for future joint ventures or investment rounds. While no formal negotiations have been announced, the launch of the Madrid–Abu Dhabi route is widely interpreted as a step towards deeper commercial ties. Javier Hidalgo and Globalia's international momentum Javier Hidalgo's leadership has been instrumental in repositioning Globalia as a forward-looking group, focused on digitalization, sustainability, and cross-border partnerships. His presence in the UAE—home to influential business and aviation networks—reflects the ambition to expand beyond traditional markets. As Europe and the Middle East deepen their aviation collaboration, Air Europa could become the next success story connecting continents through strategic vision, green technology, and long-term value creation.
Borneo Post
10-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah to host Malaysia's first micro algae biomass power plant in Kimanis
Tham showcasing crude algae oil produced during their pilot project. KOTA KINABALU (July 10): A 30-megawatt biomass power plant utilising micro algae as feedstock to produce biofuel and generate green energy is set for development at the Sabah Agro-Industrial Precinct (Saip) in Kimanis. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Saip Sdn Bhd and West Malaysia-based company CCE Power Holdings Sdn Bhd, held at a hotel here today. The three-year project marks a significant step in advancing renewable energy in Sabah. CCE Power Holdings director Tham Weng Kong said the plant would be the first in Malaysia to use a closed-tank system to cultivate micro algae via heterotrophic technology — a method that does not require sunlight, unlike the photosynthesis-based cultivation systems currently used in Sarawak. Tham explained that micro algae can be harvested within five to seven days, then dried to produce a range of high-value products. The algae's calorific value — or energy content per unit mass — is comparable to that of coal, making it a potent renewable energy source. The plant will feature two main production streams: one for crude algae oil to produce biofuel, bioplastics and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and another for algae biomass to generate power. Following a successful pilot project, the company has filed three patents on their proprietary technology and is moving ahead with construction of the commercial facility. Phase one is expected to be completed by year-end. The project will progress in three stages. Stage one will use 100% palm oil-based biomass, stage two will blend palm biomass with micro algae and stage three will utilise 70% micro algae and 30% palm biomass. 'This is not just a power plant — it's a clean and green energy solution that can help address Sabah's electricity challenges,' Tham said. 'Together with our scientific partners from Japan, we are working to catalyse downstream industries at Saip. This project will create new industries, jobs, and a stronger green economy for the country.' State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurshi Minister and Saip chairman Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who witnessed the MoU signing, praised the project for its potential to reduce carbon emissions compared to conventional power generation methods. Phoong stressed, however, that the project team must first present feasibility study reports to the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) to prove the concept's viability. The project will initially operate on a 100-acre site, with potential for expansion based on its success. Phoong also clarified that the state government will not commit any land or funding to the initiative. 'This initiative aligns with Malaysia's and Sabah's sustainable development goals,' Phoong said. 'It offers a valuable opportunity for Sabah to embrace innovation, attract high-tech manufacturing, promote technology transfer, and generate skilled job opportunities.'
Associated Press
09-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
KWE Signs Additional Agreement With Cathay Pacific for Use of SAF
TOKYO, JP / ACCESS Newswire / July 9, 2025 / Kintetsu World Express, Inc. (Tokyo, Japan) is pleased to announce that it has signed an additional agreement with Cathay Pacific Airways (Hong Kong, China) for the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Since 2021, KWE has been in discussions with Cathay regarding the use of SAF. In April 2022, KWE participated in Cathay's pilot SAF programme for corporate customers as one of the founding partners, which was highly acclaimed as an advanced initiative in Asia. In 2023, KWE signed a two-year contract to reduce its own Scope 3 emissions as well as to establish a mechanism for sharing SAF environmental attributes with KWE customers. This latest agreement expands into a three-year partnership, enabling KWE to procure SAF environmental attributes from Cathay through 2027. Major airlines have set a target of replacing 10% of their aviation fuel with SAF by 2030, but actual supply still accounts for less than 1% of total aviation fuel. Manufacturing costs remain high. Therefore, raising awareness and encouraging active participation by all stakeholders involved in air cargo is essential for the widespread adoption of SAF. Going forward, KWE will continue to leverage opportunities such as these to reduce its own Scope 3 emissions, provide customers with ongoing low-carbon transportation options, and contribute to fostering the momentum of SAF adoption, particularly in Japan and Asia. Contact InformationMike Trejo (310) 627-3129 SOURCE: Kintetsu World Express press release
Indian Express
09-07-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
How India's biofuel potential complements its leadership in sustainable aviation fuel
— Kannan K Global Energy Independence Day, observed on July 10, serves as a timely reminder to embrace cleaner, sustainable energy alternatives. In this context, aviation has emerged as a critical sector as it is estimated to contribute nearly 2.5 per cent of global annual carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, alongside almost 4 per cent of the total anthropogenic contribution to global warming, Therefore, focus has been shifted to solutions like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is likely to account for over 60 per cent in decarbonisation. India can potentially manufacture 40 million tonnes of SAF by 2050, which positions it as a key player in shaping a greener, more resilient aviation future. Let's understand SAF and its key environmental benefits. Aircraft emit water vapour, soot, sulfur aerosols, nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), which contribute to the formation of contrails – clouds that form when water vapour condenses and freezes around small particles (aerosols) in aircraft exhaust. All of these factors have additional warming effects on the atmosphere. Moreover, aviation's share in global emissions is expected to increase due to two key reasons. Currently, less than 10 per cent of the global population relies on air travel. But this number is projected to more than double in the coming decades. Second, unlike aviation, other high-emission sectors such as electricity, cement, and steel production are gradually moving to greener alternatives. In this context, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), also known as aviation biofuel, has emerged as a credible alternative with the potential to reduce aviation-related emissions. SAF is made from sustainable sources and has characteristics similar to Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), but with a significantly lesser carbon footprint. It is a 'drop in' fuel, meaning it can be blended with ATF without requiring any change in the existing machinery of aircraft. SAF can be derived from a range of materials, including — Oils and fats such as Used Cooking Oil (UCO), oil-rich seeds from plants, algae oils, animal fats — Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) — Agricultural and forestry residues such as wood waste, sugarcane bagasse, corn stover, husks and straw, sugars and starches. There are various methods to produce SAF, with each using different combinations of raw materials. For SAF to be truly sustainable, it is important that the feedstock used in its production does not compete with food production, cause deforestation, or harm biodiversity. SAF offers multiple benefits. The primary advantage is its ability to significantly reduce emissions and its compatibility with the current global aircraft fleet. It means SAF can be used without modifications to existing planes, engines, or fueling infrastructure. It is estimated that SAF has the potential to reduce GHG emissions in air travel by up to 80 per cent compared to conventional jet fuel. In addition to SAF, there are other innovations like Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origins (RFNBOs). It is produced using renewable electricity through Power to Liquid PtL technology that combines Green Hydrogen with Carbon captured from atmospheric CO₂. It offers the potential for even net negative emissions. SAF combustion produces far less harmful gases and particulate matter, contributing to cleaner skies. The adoption of these biofuels can lead to new demand for feedstock and open new revenue streams in agriculture and waste management. In addition, diversification of fuel sources in the aviation sector can help reduce import dependence and protect the sector from global oil price volatility. This, in turn, could lead to a more stable aviation sector, possibly making air travel accessible to larger sections of society. Moreover, SAF adoption will also generate employment opportunities in the sustainability sector. However, despite these benefits, there are a few barriers to the widespread adoption of SAF. First, the cost of producing these biofuels, which is more than double that of conventional fuels, makes its large-scale adoption difficult for airlines without passing the burden onto consumers. The production, storage, blending, and transportation of SAF require the development of new infrastructure, which would add significantly to the initial cost of adoption. Another key issue is the availability and sustainability of feedstock required for SAF production. The characteristics and variety of necessary feedstock mean that there is no guarantee of year-round supply. Further, there is a significant risk that the production process can have adverse environmental impacts if not managed properly. For SAF to be considered truly sustainable and to ensure a significant reduction in GHG emissions, it is crucial to ensure that its production does not have negative social or environmental impacts. Notably, there is now a global push to increase the blending of SAF in commercial aviation. The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) – the UN's specialised agency for the development of air transport – has established the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). It mandates that international airlines must offset their emissions growth post-2020, and the use of SAF is incentivised as a compliance mechanism. Similarly, the European Union's ReFuelEU Aviation initiative has introduced binding SAF blending targets, aiming for 2 per cent SAF by 2025, 6 per cent by 2030, and 70 per cent by 2050, with sub-mandates for synthetic fuels. Another innovative mechanism is the World Economic Forum's Clean Skies for Tomorrow initiative, which has set the blending target of 10 per cent SAF by 2030. It also seeks to address the high cost of SAF through innovative financing and supportive policy frameworks. However, India has a nuanced and pragmatic approach to SAF, advocating for nationally determined targets rather than binding international mandates. India's position is based on the twin goals of prioritising energy security and food security, and seeking to balance sustainability goals with passenger demand. Despite these reservations, India is a party to the CORSIA and is positioning itself to be a key player in the global SAF landscape. Notably, the Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) was launched by India during the G20 Summit in New Delhi in 2023 with the aim to expedite the worldwide adoption of biofuels, including SAF. India has also set SAF blending targets of 1 per cent for domestic airlines by 2025 and 1-2 per cent for international flights by 2027-2028, and 5 per cent by 2030 and the potential to scale up to 15 per cent by 2040. The abundant supply of agricultural residues bolsters India's goal of becoming SAF exporter. However, challenges like high costs and underdeveloped supply chains need to be taken care of. To address such issues, policies like tax incentives and public-private partnerships have been proposed. SAF presents a near-term, drop-in solution to reduce emissions from the aviation sector while longer term decarbonisation technologies continue to evolve. Despite existing challenges, the international consensus to push for SAF through initiatives like the CORSIA and ReFuelEU offers hope for overcoming barriers to large-scale adoption. For India, SAF provides an opportunity to leverage its resources to be a market leader in the sector and make meaningful contributions to global decarbonisation efforts, while also keeping local realities and national priorities in mind. What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and how does it differ from conventional aviation fuel? What are the key environmental benefits of adopting SAF in the aviation sector? Why is SAF referred to as a 'drop-in' fuel? What are the primary feedstocks used in SAF production? How can India leverage its agricultural and waste resources to become a global exporter of SAF? How has India positioned itself in the global SAF landscape, and what are its national blending targets? What are the major global initiatives for promoting SAF adoption? (Kannan K is a Doctoral candidate at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad) Share your thoughts and ideas on UPSC Special articles with Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.
