Aerospace

British Airways takes next step towards developing sustainable aviation fuel

Close Call at Heathrow: BA Flight Narrowly Escapes Drone Collision

An agreement between British Airways, LanzaJet, and Nova Pangaea Technologies will expedite the groundbreaking Project Speedbird initiative to create affordable sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for use in the UK’s commercial aviation sector.

Qantas and Airbus Partnership for the biofuel industry.(Opens in a new browser tab)

In accordance with the agreement, British Airways’ parent company, IAG, will contribute to the project in order to support the next stage of research and development efforts aimed at decarbonizing the aviation sector.

Project Speedbird has now submitted an application for a grant from the DfT’s Advanced Fuels Fund, which will be essential to the project’s continued development as the DfT works to implement its recently unveiled Jet Zero strategy, which includes enforcing a SAF mandate that will go into effect in 2025 and mandate that at least 10% of UK jet fuel be SAF by 2030.

Project Speedbird would convert 102 million litres of SAF annually from sustainable agricultural and wood waste. The facility, which is slated to be built in North East England, could start construction as early as 2023, and production of SAF is anticipated to begin in 2026. In order to power some of its flights, British Airways plans to offtake all SAF created through Project Speedbird. On a net lifecycle basis, the SAF generated would cut CO2 emissions by 230,000 tonnes annually.

British airways is relaunching business class service with delicious new menus(Opens in a new browser tab)

Utilizing a combination of cutting-edge technologies, the SAF will be created using Nova Pangaea’s REFNOVA® process for producing bioethanol and biochar from agricultural and wood waste. The bioethanol is then transformed using LanzaJet’s unique and patented alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) technology, the first of its kind in the world, to create SAF and renewable diesel.

In addition to creating hundreds of jobs and supply chain opportunities in the North East of England, Project Speedbird would significantly increase skilled employment there and contribute to the UK’s overall economic growth by promoting investments in green technologies. Furthermore, the facility would increase domestic production, enhancing the UK’s energy security.

Aerospace

EASA Ends Suspension on PIA, Approves Flights to Europe

Pakistan's National Airline Set for Privatization as Elections Loom

The suspension of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) from operating in Europe is finally over, marking a significant turning point for Pakistan’s aviation sector.

After years of scrutiny and stringent safety assessments, the European Commission and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have officially lifted the ban on PIA. This decision also grants Airblue authorization to operate flights to Europe, further enhancing Pakistan’s connectivity with the region.

Is the U.S. Ready to Deliver F-35 Jets to Turkey? Diplomatic Breakthrough on the Horizon

PIA’s suspension, initially imposed in June 2020, was a direct consequence of concerns regarding the oversight capabilities of Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority (PCAA). These concerns were triggered shortly after a tragic PIA plane crash that claimed 97 lives, prompting an investigation into the validity of pilot licenses issued in the country.

Now, after four years of continuous efforts and reforms by the PCAA, EASA has expressed renewed confidence in Pakistan’s aviation regulatory framework. In a statement, EASA highlighted that Pakistan has successfully addressed safety compliance issues, enabling PIA to resume its operations within the European Union.

A spokesperson for PIA expressed optimism, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to strictly adhere to EASA’s regulations and guidelines. “This milestone has been achieved after four years of relentless efforts by the PIA management,” the spokesperson said.

These are the Best and Worst Airports in the World for 2024

The lifting of the ban is expected to have a profound impact on PIA’s future. The airline, which employs over 7,000 people, has faced criticism in the past for poor management, financial instability, and regulatory challenges.

However, the restoration of European operations is seen as a vital step toward regaining its competitive edge, improving its financial standing, and restoring its reputation on the global stage.

Pakistan’s government, which has been exploring options to privatize the debt-laden national carrier, is hopeful that this development will attract foreign investment and bolster the country’s aviation industry.

With a renewed focus on compliance and safety, PIA is now poised to rebuild its presence in Europe, offering Pakistani travelers and international passengers more connectivity and improved service.