Aviation

UNITED flies first with 100% ‘Sustainable Aviation Fuel’

United Airlines Adds Six New Denver Routes and 35 New Flights

This week, United Airlines made aviation history by flying from Chicago to Washington, D.C. using “sustainable aviation fuel,” or SAF as it is known in the aviation industry. SAF is a significantly less hazardous environmentally friendly option.

The trip took place aboard a Boeing 737 Max 8 carrying 100 people and consuming around 500 gallons of SAF. The right engine went 612 miles on 100 percent SAF, emitting 75 percent less CO2 than a trip on standard jet fuel, bringing us closer to making 100 percent green carbon neutral flying the norm.

100 percent SAF is a fuel mix consisting of about 80% HEFA (world energy) and 20% SAK (VIRENT) that is being developed as a replacement for approved fuels such as jet A-1. SAF has a fraction of the carbon impact of traditional fossil fuels, according to the US Department of Energy, and the country’s feedstock supplies are deep enough to pilot the entire aviation industry

The big picture: Aviation is one of the hard-to-decarbonize sectors of the economy, especially since airlines and plane manufacturers are already working to squeeze every ounce of efficiency out of an airframe, such as using lighter materials and more fuel-efficient engines.

At the moment, airlines are only allowed to utilize a maximum of 50% SAF on board. This means that any flight using SAF is now using a blend of SAF and regular jet fuel in the same engine.

What makes this flight historic is, United Airlines was granted permission to run one engine on 100 percent SAF and the other on conventional jet fuel to demonstrate that there are no operational differences. This also paves the way for more scalable SAF applications in the future of aviation.

Aviation

Boeing, Antonov to Collaborate on Defense Projects

– MOU represents Boeing’s commitment to work with Ukrainian industry

– Includes exploring opportunities for collaborating on in-country support of Unmanned Aerial Systems

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Boeing and Antonov Company to investigate potential collaboration on defense-related projects.

“We’re happy to keep collaborating with the Antonov Company to help Ukraine’s economic development and expansion,” stated Ted Colbert, CEO and president of Boeing Defence, Space, & Security.

Airbus and the Antonov An-225: The Best Partnership:Click here

“This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defence Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

The six largest cargo aircraft ever built in the aviation industry:Click here

“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company.

This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions – in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”