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United Airlines announces JV to develop sustainable fuel using ethanol

United Airlines announces JV to develop sustainable fuel using ethanol

An innovative Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) technology that employs ethanol as its feedstock will be developed and subsequently commercialized by United Airlines, Tallgrass, and Green Plains Inc. through a new joint venture called Blue Blade Energy. If the technology works as planned, Blue Blade expects to start building a pilot plant in 2024, then a full-scale facility that might start doing business by 2028. The offtake deal might provide for enough SAF to operate more than 50,000 flights yearly between Chicago and Denver, United’s key airports.

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

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Blue Blade’s new SAF technology was developed by researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), a leading center for technological innovation in sustainable energy. SAF, which uses non-petroleum feedstock, is a low-carbon alternative to traditional jet fuel that offers up to 85%** lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.

United, Tallgrass, and Green Plains will each provide their unique industry expertise to help develop the joint venture. Under this collaborative approach:

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  • Tallgrass will manage research and development of the technology, including pilot plant development, and will manage the construction of the production facility.
  • Green Plains will supply the low-carbon ethanol feedstock, and use its ethanol industry expertise to manage operations once the pilot facility is constructed.
  • United Airlines will assist with SAF development, fuel certification and into-wing logistics, and has also agreed to purchase up to 2.7 billion gallons of SAF produced from the joint venture.

If the technology is commercialized, the location of Blue Blade’s initial plant would allow easy access to low-carbon feedstock from Green Plains’ Midwest ethanol production facilities. While the initial SAF facility intends to use ethanol, the technology has the capability to work with any alcohol-based feedstock as its fuel source.

Blue Blade Energy marks one of the largest direct investments from United Airlines Ventures (UAV), United’s corporate venture arm, into SAF. Launched in 2021, UAV targets startups, upcoming technologies, and sustainability concepts that will complement United’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050 without relying on traditional carbon offsets. United has aggressively pursued strategic investments in SAF producers and revolutionary technologies including carbon capture, hydrogen-electric engines, electric regional aircraft and air taxis.

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An A320 plane flew for 28 minutes with both pilots asleep

An A320 plane flew for 28 minutes with both pilots asleep

In a startling incident, an Airbus A320 operated by an Indonesian airline, Batik Air, flew for a harrowing 28 minutes with both pilots asleep at the controls.

The alarming event unfolded on Batik Air Flight 6723, carrying 153 passengers, en route to Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta. The saga began when the first officer allowed the captain to take a nap, only to fatigue himself, attributing his drowsiness to caring for his one-month-old twins. As the pilots dozed off, the aircraft veered off-course, prompting concerns from air traffic control (ATC) who lost contact with the flight 90 minutes into its journey.

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Despite the pilots being unresponsive for nearly half an hour, ATC managed to track the aircraft using radar as it covered a staggering 210 nautical miles, equivalent to the distance between New York and Washington, D.C. The captain eventually woke up, realizing the perilous situation and rousing his co-pilot.

After correcting the flight path, the captain attributed the radio silence to a “communication problem,” and the plane eventually touched down safely in Jakarta. However, the incident sparked widespread concern and investigation by Indonesia’s transport ministry.

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A preliminary report revealed that the second-in-command had not rested adequately before the flight, shedding light on the potential dangers of pilot fatigue. While the identities of the pilots remained undisclosed, the incident underscored the critical importance of ensuring crew members are well-rested and fit for duty.

Despite the gravity of the situation, the swift actions of the awakened captain averted disaster, emphasizing the necessity for robust safety protocols and measures within the aviation industry.

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Ex-Cathay Pacific A330-300 Destroyed by Fire during Long-Term Storage at Spain

Ex-Cathay Pacific A330-300 Destroyed by Fire during Long-Term Storage at Spain

In a dramatic turn of events, an ex-Cathay Pacific Airbus A330 met a fiery end at Ciudad Real Airport in Spain. The aircraft, with a distinguished service history spanning 28 years, was resting in long-term storage at the airport when disaster struck.

Reports emerged detailing the unfortunate incident, painting a picture of destruction and chaos. The once majestic A330, bearing the serial number MSN113, became engulfed in flames while undergoing dismantling procedures. What began as a routine process turned into a nightmare as a fire erupted in the aircraft’s tail section, quickly spreading to consume the entire fuselage.

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Emergency responders, including the Civil Guard, medical teams, and law enforcement personnel, swiftly descended upon the scene to contain the inferno. Despite the intensity of the blaze, their coordinated efforts prevented any injuries among both the public and the brave individuals working to quell the flames.

By mid-afternoon, the Ciudad Real fire service declared victory over the fire, announcing its successful extinguishment. However, the aftermath left behind a trail of questions and concerns. Authorities launched an investigation into the cause of the blaze, with initial findings shrouded in mystery.

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The head of the airport expressed astonishment at the unprecedented event, highlighting it as the first instance where airport infrastructure had to grapple with such a significant fire-related challenge. As the investigation unfolds, the aviation community awaits answers, hoping to shed light on the circumstances leading to the demise of the retired Airbus A330.

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Air India’s last VVIP Boeing 747 now found a new home in USA

Air India's B747 Makes Its Final Journey, Waving Farewell to Fans
Image:Wikipedia

In a symbolic transition marking the end of a storied chapter in aviation history, Air India bid farewell to its last remaining Boeing 747-400 jumbo jetliners, once revered for ferrying dignitaries including prime ministers, presidents, and vice presidents.

The sale of these iconic aircraft to AerSale, a company based in the United States, signals the closure of a remarkable era for the airline.

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The decision to part ways with the Boeing 747s was driven by practical considerations. Tata Group, the new custodian of airindia flights, deemed these majestic planes uneconomical to operate in today’s aviation landscape. As such, out of the four sold, two will be repurposed into freighters, while the remaining pair will be meticulously disassembled to harness their valuable parts.

The transaction, orchestrated by Mumbai-based Vman Aviation Services, underscores the strategic shift in Air India’s fleet management strategy under its new ownership. Tata Group’s decision to divest from the 747s reflects a commitment to optimizing operational efficiency and aligning with contemporary industry standards.

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Skytech-AIC, a UK-based remarketing firm engaged by Tata Group, facilitated the sale of these iconic aircraft, marking the conclusion of their illustrious service with Air India. The airline’s last flight featuring the Boeing 747 took to the skies between Delhi and Mumbai in March 2021, encapsulating decades of distinguished service and indelible memories.

The allure of used aircraft parts continues to resonate across the aviation sector, offering operators a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality or performance. The transfer of these aircraft to AerSale not only ensures their continued utility but also underscores the enduring legacy of Air India’s fleet.

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