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Travel Daily News
6 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Eve Air Mobility announces up to $15.8m. FINEP grant
Eve Air Mobility secures $15.8m. grant from FINEP to advance sustainable urban air mobility technologies and eVTOL operational infrastructure in Brazil. SAO PAULO, BRAZIL – Eve Air Mobility announced that it has been selected in a public call by FINEP, Brazil's Funding Authority for Studies and Projects, to receive a grant of up to $15.8 million1. The total project investment amount is up to $33.8 million2, combining the FINEP grant with Eve's required company contribution. This is the first grant (non-repayable funding) awarded to Eve, reinforcing the company's leadership in developing innovative solutions for sustainable urban air mobility. The grant, awarded under FINEP's public selection for 'Technologies for More Sustainable Aviation', is aligned with the strategic focus areas defined by the call, such as autonomous flight systems, advanced energy storage, hybrid-electric and hydrogen propulsion, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) testing, noise reduction, efficient aircraft configurations, new materials, and advanced air traffic management systems for advanced air mobility (AAM). Eve's project will prioritize the areas most relevant to its innovation roadmap. 'This partnership with FINEP marks a pivotal milestone for Eve and the broader Brazilian aerospace ecosystem', said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility. 'Our mission is to reimagine people's relationship with time, space, and the city by creating safe, sustainable, and efficient air mobility experiences. Leveraging from Embraer's 55-year legacy and our innovative mindset, this grant will enable us to accelerate the development of advanced digital solutions and technologies that will shape the future of urban air mobility in Brazil and beyond'. Luiz Mauad, Vice President of Customer Services at Eve, added: 'Supporting the future operation of eVTOLs requires a robust digital backbone — this is the foundation for scalable AAM operations. By developing our digital platforms and service solutions in parallel with our aircraft, we empower our customers with an integrated, one-stop-shop experience that ensures operational efficiency, safety, and high availability from day one'. Elias Ramos de Souza, President of FINEP, stated that: 'This project represents our belief that eVTOLs are a future disruptive trend in the UAM scenario. We are very glad to partner with Eve in this endeavor, in a funding that enhances our position of more than BRL 1 billion in support to Embraer and its investees.' A central pillar of this project is the advancement of Eve's digital ecosystem, including the continued development of Eve TechCare – its fully integrated aftermarket services platform. Eve TechCare is a pioneer all-in-one suite of solutions designed to streamline eVTOL operations by providing the industry's most comprehensive services, expert customer support, and cutting-edge operational solutions. The aftermarket portfolio consists of technical support and solutions, MRO services, parts and battery solutions, as well as training services and flight operations solutions. Eve TechCare's service and support solutions will cover all the operational aspects necessary to ensure the daily eVTOL operation. The company is advancing the current stage of the eVTOL development, which involves a series of comprehensive tests with the prototype to evaluate every aspect of the aircraft's operation and performance, from flight capabilities to safety features. 1 Equivalent amount in US dollars; BRL 90 million in local currency (Brazilian real – BRL). 2 Equivalent amount in US dollars; BRL 191 million in local currency (Brazilian real – BRL).
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Airlines stick to net zero target despite green fuel doubts
Global airlines wrapped up a two-day summit on Tuesday sticking to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, but voicing fresh worries about the availability of greener fuels and new planes. The International Air Transport Association, which represents about 350 airlines, said hitting the target would cost carriers $4.7 trillion, or $174 billion a year - at least some of which is likely to be passed on as higher fares. Despite earlier signs that some airlines were growing more sceptical about the chances of reaching the target, IATA avoided re-opening a sensitive debate on net zero as bosses pointed to a narrow window for the industry to meet its goals. But they stepped up criticism of energy companies, accusing them of adding arbitrary charges in Europe, and planemakers that have failed to deliver efficient jets on time. "We still have time to get there, but we do need to see more action on the part of all of the partners in the value chain to make sure that the industry can get there," said IATA Director General Willie Walsh. In April, Walsh had issued a warning that the net zero emissions agenda was sliding off course, in comments that appeared designed to trigger discussion about the challenges. On Tuesday, Walsh said there had been no talk of any delay in the target at this week's annual meeting in New Delhi. The industry's sustainability efforts are largely centred around plant-based sustainable aviation fuels. But with current supplies covering just a fraction of airlines' fuel needs, carriers urged governments and energy firms to do more. "The oil companies are obviously not producing (enough) SAF," said IATA's Chief Economist Marie Owens Thomsen. The energy industry insists enough SAF is available in Europe for the time being after a spate of investments, with some executives and analysts saying markets are oversupplied. "There should be more than enough global SAF supply to meet mandated demand in Europe in the early stages," specialist publication Argus Media said in a December study. But Walsh said many airlines around the world were unable to procure SAF without importing it over large distances, which would defeat the aim of reducing emissions. European industry association FuelsEurope did not respond to a request for comment. 'WANING ENTHUSIASM' The meeting saw a shift in tone barely four years after the industry committed to step up plans to tackle climate change amid mounting pressure from regulators and environmental groups. "There's a level of scepticism and perhaps you could even say sort of waning enthusiasm for the overall energy transition," said Patrick Healy, group chair at Cathay Pacific. Airlines see higher profits in 2025, cushioned from the worst effects of global trade tensions by falling prices of traditional jet fuel. Rob McLeod, head of energy risk solutions at Hartree Partners, urged airlines to use the savings from fuel costs to invest more in SAF to help address concerns over funding the transition. U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff war has cast a shadow over the industry's outlook by driving up operating costs and hitting travel demand. New fuel-efficient jets are expected to help the decarbonisation drive. But production delays at Boeing and Airbus have forced carriers to keep older generation planes in the air. "Everyone's realising that it's a lot more complicated than we thought a few years ago," Healy said. The summit, hosted by budget airline IndiGo, was also a celebration of India's emergence as one of the hottest aviation markets. In a rare attendance by a major leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the country's carriers were poised to keep buying after placing "orders for more than 2,000 new jets." It also marked a new chapter for the 80-year-old IATA as it inducted low-cost pioneer Southwest Airlines as a member. The U.S. carrier for long symbolised a revolt against traditional airlines, though analysts say Southwest now resembles its main full-service rivals as costs rise. (Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh Editing by Mark Potter)
Zawya
03-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Wizz Air advances customer compass plan with new aircraft milestone
The aircraft offers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions More than decade ago, Wizz Air began to use upcycled waste materials from GenPhoenix for its cabin seats, which reduced over 80 thousand tons of lifecycle emissions The milestone marks a major step forward in Wizz Air's emissions reduction strategy – Flying Towards Net-Zero Wizz Air, EMEA's most environmentally sustainable airline, proudly announces that the Airbus A321neo—the latest-generation, most fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft available today now comprises two-thirds of its operational fleet. Out of Wizz Air's total 234 aircraft, 152 are Airbus A321neo and six are A320neo, and one is Airbus A321XLR, meaning over 67% of the fleet is powered by next-generation technology. In line with its ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability with cutting-edge technologies, Wizz Air aims to operate an all-neo fleet by 2029. The Airbus A321neo will play a critical role in delivering a 7% reduction in Wizz Air's emissions intensity by 2050. The aircraft also offers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation aircraft, alongside a 50% reduction in noise pollution. Customer First Compass: Enhancing the Passenger Experience Operating an all-neo aircraft fleet is part of the airline's Customer First Compass Product pillar - its commitment to next-level travel and dedication to operating one of the youngest, safest and fuel-efficient fleets in the industry, as well as using cutting-edge tools in operations. This €14 billion initiative underscores the airline's dedication to delivering an exceptional travel experience through one of the youngest, safest, most fuel-efficient and quieter fleets in the industry, supported by advanced operational technologies. Yvonne Moynihan, Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air, said: "Achieving two-thirds fleet modernisation with the A321neo is not just a milestone for Wizz Air – it's a symbol of our commitment to providing most innovative options. The introduction of our Customer First Compass earlier this year marks our dedication to investing in areas that make a meaningful impact for our customers and the planet. The A321neo is central to our strategy, enabling lower emissions while maintaining the affordable fares our customers value.' Driving Net-Zero Through Fleet Innovation Fleet renewal is one the main cornerstones of Wizz Air's Flying Towards Net-Zero roadmap, which outlines the role the airline will play in the decarbonisation. The Airbus A321neo will play a critical role in delivering a 7% reduction in Wizz Air's emissions intensity by 2050. The aircraft also offers a 20% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions compared to previous generation aircraft, alongside a 50% reduction in noise pollution. Smart Solutions Across the Supply Chain In addition to the exterior part of the aircraft, Wizz Air also focuses on interior developments in supply chain. Since 2015, the airline has partnered with Gen Phoenix to integrate upcycled leather offcuts into its cabin seating. These materials, which would otherwise be sent to landfills, are transformed into lightweight, durable seating components that generate up to 80% less carbon emissions and use 87% less water during production[4]. What began with a single A320 aircraft has now scaled to the airline's entire fleet serving approximately 50,000 passengers daily. Through this partnership, GenPhoenix has supplied Wizz Air over 100,000 square meters of material – preventing 16 tons of waste from reaching landfill and reducing 7 300 tons of lifecycle emissions reductions annually. About Wizz Air Wizz Air operates a fleet of 234 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. A team of dedicated aviation professionals delivers superior service and very low fares, making Wizz Air the preferred choice of 62.8 million passengers in 2024. Wizz Air is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker WIZZ. The company was recently named one of the world's top ten safest airlines by the world's only safety and product rating agency, and named Airline of the Year by Air Transport Awards in 2019 and in 2023. Wizz Air has also been recognized as the "Most Sustainable Low-Cost Airline" within the in 2021-2023 and 'Best Airline for Carbon Reduction' by World Finance Sustainability Awards in 2024. Wizz Air also received "EMEA's Environmental Sustainability Airline Group of the Year" by the CAPA-Centre for Aviation Awards for Excellence 2024. About GenPhoenix Generation Phoenix (Gen Phoenix) is delivering a new generation of materials for the next era of sustainability. Through a revolutionary circular process, Gen Phoenix rescues leather offcuts destined for landfill and regenerates them into premium, circular materials made from recycled leather fibre coveted by the world's most iconic brands for its beauty and durability. Since 2007, Gen Phoenix has diverted thousands of tons of material from landfill. Adaptable to a wide variety of feedstocks, Gen Phoenix's patented technology platform will make material circularity possible at an epic scale.
