Latest news with #sustainableaviation
Travel Daily News
4 days ago
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Embraer joins the Polish New Mobility Association
Embraer joins Poland's New Mobility Association to advance sustainable aviation, focusing on regional decarbonization, SAF, hybrid technologies, and innovation partnerships. WARSAW, POLAND – Embraer, a leading aircraft manufacturer and a global innovator in sustainable aviation, has joined the Polish New Mobility Association (PSNM). Together with PSNM, the company will work toward the decarbonization of air transport, with particular emphasis on the regional segment, which constitutes a key area for the development of low-emission mobility of the future. Embraer's cooperation with PSNM aligns with global and European climate goals that aim to achieve carbon neutrality in transport by 2050. This includes, among other things, the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), new propulsion architectures including investments in electric and hybrid flight technologies, and improving the operational efficiency of the entire sector. 'We are pleased to welcome Embraer among the members of PSNM. It is a serious partner whose experience and advanced technologies have real potential to accelerate the transformation of the aviation sector. Regional aviation can become a pioneer in emissions reduction thanks to shorter distances, flexibility, and openness to innovation,' says Aleksander Rajch, PSNM Management Board Member. 'The aviation sector currently accounts for about 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, and the number of passengers is expected to double by 2045, which makes decarbonization efforts urgent. Together with Embraer, we want to support the implementation of SAF, develop infrastructure for alternative propulsion systems, and better utilize over 450 regional airports in Europe. This is a real opportunity for Poland to become a regional leader in sustainable aviation,' he adds. Embraer is one of the world's largest aircraft manufacturers and a leader in the regional aircraft category. The company is committed to developing sustainable aviation technologies through numerous R&D projects, including those under its subsidiary Eve Air Mobility, which focuses on electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL). 'Building on Embraer's more than 25-year presence in Poland, we are strengthening our commitments and contributions to the sustainable development of aviation through this partnership with PSNM. As a leading aircraft manufacturer, we are working on the development of modern technologies aimed at reducing the aviation industry's carbon footprint. Through the partnership with PSNM – a sustainability expert with strong research and development capabilities – we will focus on delivering expert knowledge and implementing effective decarbonization efforts for Poland and Europe,' says Marie-Louise Phillippe, Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing, Europe and Central Asia at Embraer. According to analyses by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), by 2050 the aviation sector can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 65% thanks to SAF, 13% through new propulsion technologies, and the remaining portion through improved operational efficiency and offset mechanisms. A key element will also be the integration of aviation with the new mobility ecosystem—including zero-emission road transport and digital travel planning solutions. Embraer's membership in PSNM opens new opportunities for cooperation with Polish institutions, technology companies, and regional airport operators. The goal is to jointly develop solutions supporting the growth of sustainable air connections in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe.
Reuters
4 days ago
- Business
- Reuters
Will CORSIA flight offsetting scheme pay for green projects - or greenwash?
May 16 - Airlines using offsets to market flights as sustainable have frequently been accused of greenwash, opens new tab by campaigners, with the risks demonstrated last year by the legal precedent-setting Dutch Court ruling against KLM. Now, however, the industry is gearing up to buy hundreds of millions of credits through a global scheme agreed under the United Nation's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) is expected to unlock unprecedented demand for carbon offsets. But will the scheme have enough integrity baked in to assuage greenwash concerns? CORSIA aims to offset growth in the sector's greenhouse gas emissions by mandating airlines to purchase credits for each tonne they emit over a baseline of 85% of 2019 emissions. As with most offset schemes, airlines are only meant to buy carbon credits as a last resort, once they have put in place other emissions reduction strategies. These include making aircraft and engines more efficient and lighter, more efficient operations such as take-off and landing, and electric engines for short-haul flights. CORSIA also has a list of eligible feedstocks for sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), which airlines can use to reduce their need to purchase offsets, though these are in short supply. CORSIA is being implemented in phases ahead of becoming mandatory for all international flights from 2027. During a pilot phase, from 2021-2023, and the first phase, 2024-2026, offsetting is required only for flights between states that volunteer to participate, but as of this year, 129 states are included in the scheme. Integrity under scrutiny IATA insists that CORSIA and the carbon credits sold under it are high integrity, backed by several safeguards and independent checks. In December, the body approved four new CORSIA-compliant carbon standards: Gold Standard, Verra, Climate Action Reserve and Global Carbon Council, adding to the two existing standards, American Carbon Registry (ACR) and Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART), which manages The REDD+ Environmental Excellence Standard (TREES). All projects must meet eligibility criteria that emissions reductions are real, additional and permanent. IATA has, however, removed some categories of credits that have attracted the most controversy from eligibility for CORSIA. These include afforestation and reforestation, and project-level REDD+ schemes, which pay for projects that protect forests that are under threat. Allowed are jurisdictional-level REDD+, which are administered at a national level, the type of scheme certified by ART TREES. In addition to ICAO's process, governments of host countries must agree 'a corresponding adjustment' to prevent double counting, so that credits supporting projects under CORSIA are not also used to meet national obligations under the Paris Agreement on climate change. So far, only Guyana has agreed a corresponding adjustment for 7.15 million credits issued by TREES. One million of these were purchased for a fixed price of $21.70 by 11 airlines late last year, when IATA held the first large-scale auction. But the forestry schemes the South American nation intends to finance through CORSIA have previously been criticised by scientists, who said they would overstate the amount of emissions they will prevent, given that Guyana is a country with high forest cover, but low amounts of deforestation (HFLD). While some Indigenous groups has supported the Guyanese government, others have complained to ART about insufficient consultation, and questioned whether they are receiving adequate compensation for their role in protecting Guyana's forests. ART, however, defends its crediting approach for HFLD countries like Guyana, citing gold mining exploration as one of numerous threats to Guyana's intact forests. "Forests cannot be protected indefinitely without ongoing support and incentives." It also said all 242 Indigenous communities in Guyana have received funds from an earlier sale of 33.47 million TREES credits, some of which had been bought by corporate buyers. While Guyana's credits are currently the only game in town under CORSIA, 15 countries – mostly in Africa – are in the process of issuing Letters of Adjustment, according to IETA. 'These are like a promissory note that you will issue a corresponding adjustment within two years,' explains Will Gifford, policy manager, aviation and natural climate solutions lead at IETA. 'A lot of countries are figuring out how many credits they can authorise to go out of the Paris Agreement bucket and into the CORSIA bucket. Guyana is the only one we have now, but we expect a lot more,' he says. Until some of these come to fruition, just 7.6 million credits meet the eligibility criteria for CORSIA, according to carbon market analysts Abatable. It estimates demand from airlines at 135-182 million units during the first phase, leaving demand two or three times larger than supply. This gap widens during the second phase, when it forecasts demand as reaching 825 million to 1.6 billion units, nine to 10 times supply. In spite of the removal of some project types from CORSIA, critics have questioned the emissions-reduction potential of some categories that are still eligible, such as projects that provide communities with efficient cookstoves to replace burning of wood cut from local forests. In March, the Integrity Council for the Voluntary Carbon Market (ICVCM) tightened up the eligibility criteria for cookstove projects that meet its Core Carbon Principles on the voluntary carbon market, removing those at risk of overestimating the amount of carbon they reduced due to insufficiently robust methodology. Derik Broekhoff, a senior scientist at the Stockholm Environment Institute, says such credits are, however, still eligible under CORSIA. 'The approach under CORSIA has been to assess the major credit issuing programmes and approve them, with some restrictions on particular categories of projects. But one of the challenges with these markets in general is that, even within individual categories, you find good and bad projects, and there's no granular-level screening to weed out the bad ones,' he says. Bastien Bonnet-Cantalloube, expert on decarbonisation of aviation and shipping at Carbon Market Watch, said: 'It's fairly positive that the eligibility rules have been made more stringent for phase one (of CORSIA). But we've already seen problems with the very first batch, so we don't expect these other registries and the new batch of credits that will be made available to airlines to be great.' Gifford of IETA believes that international scrutiny of offsets under CORSIA will bring accountability to the system. Integrity will also be supported by the fact that countries hosting the projects funded by the scheme must also approve them, he believes. 'We can draw a distinction here between CORSIA and a voluntary scheme for passengers to offset emissions from their flight. Even though CORSIA is a global scheme, there is local control over how it is used. It's not simply anyone buying whatever they want from wherever they want,' he says. The LEAF Coalition is a public-private coalition that has signed agreements with countries including Ecuador, Costa Rica and Ghana to undertake jurisdicational scale REDD+ reforestation projects. Its credits have been certified by both ART TREES and the ICVCM. Some will be sold to airlines through CORSIA, once the countries have signed corresponding adjustments. Eron Bloomgarden is CEO of Emergent, which acts as a non-profit intermediary for the coalition. He says reversing deforestation is reliant on sufficient finance for projects that make protecting forests worth more than destroying them. 'The constraint is really unlocking large sources of demand – this is where CORSIA comes in. Our goal is to achieve net zero deforestation by 2030. To do that, we need to catalyse $10 billion-$20 billion by 2030, and CORSIA could provide maybe a quarter of that,' he says. Bloomgarden says the scheme should be viewed as a transition tool, until efficiency technologies and alternatives to long-haul travel become viable. 'Airline offsets are the best possible solution in the intervening time – they're as good as, if not better, than SAFs (sustainable aviation fuels),' he says. Judit Legrady, senior managing consultant for Article 6 and CORSIA at consultancy South Pole, points out that growth in demand for international air travel is estimated at 4-5% a year. 'If you look at projected annual improvements in efficiencies of aircraft fuel or operations, and those resulting from using SAF, there will still be a CO2 emissions-reduction gap,' she says Alongside addressing residual emissions through offsets, CORSIA will incentivise airlines to reduce emissions, invest in new technologies and adopt SAF. Juan Carlos Arredondo Brun, director of knowledge, policy and advocacy at Abatable, points to the additional environmental and social benefits of projects funded by CORSIA, such as reductions in air pollution and support for livelihoods of communities where projects take place. It will also provide a continuous source of funding for up to 30 years' operation, which will be an improvement on the ad hoc funding such projects typically currently receive through voluntary markets. 'CORSIA is the first truly global carbon market, so it should be allowed to become more mature and efficient. We must not lose sight of the benefits of projects funded by CORSIA that go beyond the quantification of carbon emissions reductions,' he says. For Bloomgarden, CORSIA marks a shift in the global approach to greenhouse gas emissions. 'Given where we are in the climate emergency, every tonne of emissions should be paid for,' Bloomgarden adds. 'The era of using the atmosphere as a free resource to store our climate pollution should be over.' Terry Slavin contributed to this article. This feature is part of The Ethical Corporation's in-depth briefing on Sustainable Tourism. To download the PDF, click here
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Electric Aircraft Market Size to Achieve a Valuation of US$ 40.11 billion, at 25.1% CAGR by 2031, Experiences Surging Focus on Development of Urban Air Mobility Infrastructure
The Insight Partners The report runs an in-depth analysis of market trends, key players, and future opportunities. The environmental regulations and carbon neutrality goals; urban air mobility infrastructure development; cost reduction and operational efficiency benefits; and government support and investment initiatives; are some of the major drivers of market growth. US & Canada, May 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new comprehensive report from The Insight Partners, the global electric aircraft market is observing significant growth opportunities owing to the increasing development of urban air mobility infrastructure across different regions. The electric aircraft market share is rapidly expanding, driven by the global push for sustainable aviation, reduced carbon emissions, and advancements in battery technology. Electric aircraft, powered by electric propulsion systems, are gaining traction for regional transport, urban air mobility, and pilot training. Increasing investments from governments and aerospace companies, along with rising fuel costs, are accelerating innovation and commercialization. To explore the valuable insights in the Electric Aircraft Market report, you can easily download a sample PDF of the report - Overview of Report Findings 1. Market Growth: The electric aircraft market is expected to reach US$ 8.76 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 40.11 billion by 2031; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 25.1% from 2025 to 2031. The demand for fixed wing electric aircraft is one of the major factors driving the growth for electric aircraft market. Some of the major applications of electric aircraft includes urban air mobility, demand for emergency medical services, demand for cargo delivery operations, and development of vertiport infrastructure across different regions is one of the major factors driving the market growth for electric aircraft market. 2. Growing Demand from Carbon Neutrality Goals: Governments of various countries are imposing certain regulations to control the emissions release from the aircraft operations, thus compelling engine manufacturers to opt for alternative engine power solutions such as batteries or fuel cells. 3. Adoption of Air Taxis due to Development of Urban Air Mobility: The government of several countries have been investing huge amount of funds for the development of urban air mobility infrastructure including the adoption of EVTOL aircraft and construction of vertiports for UAM transportation operations. This is further propelling the demand for electric aircraft market across different regions. The urban air mobility industry is fueled by recent technological advancements, UAMs usage in different civil and commercial applications, and considerable investments in emerging nations. Several cities are expected to adopt the new generation of transportation using eVTOL aircraft due to recent technological breakthroughs in urban air mobility. The eVTOL aircraft are most suitable for shorter trips across congested cities to avoid traffic. The aircraft also help with middle-mile and last-mile cargo delivery and medical services. Therefore, the adoption of air taxis is growing. The air taxis used for urban air mobility are mostly electric powered. Hence, they do not cause atmospheric pollution. The urban air mobility industry is at the early stage, which is expected to drive the adoption of air taxis in the coming years. In the first quarter of 2020, Toyota had invested US$ 394 million in Joby Aviation eVTOL Aircraft. In addition, in March 2022, Airbus and The Helicopter Company (THC) signed an agreement to introduce urban air mobility and continue expanding helicopter activities in Saudi Arabia. This comes as an additional step toward co-creating an urban air mobility ecosystem in the country. In January 2022, Boeing made an investment of worth US$ 450 million in Wisk Aero to support the development of future pilotless flying taxis. Further, Joby Aviation is planning to achieve the certification for its aircraft from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with its plan to launch commercial operations and passenger service up by 2024. Asia-Pacific is one of the key markets for urban air mobility and premium transportation as various countries such as China, India, Singapore, and South Korea have significant investments and heavy road traffic.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Sustainable and safer aviation sealant and adhesive: Filipino inventor Mark Kennedy Bantugon in top 10 innovators for the Young Inventors Prize 2025
Filipino aeronautical engineer Mark Kennedy Bantugon has developed a sustainable aircraft sealant and adhesive made from agricultural waste of Pili tree resin Sealants and adhesives are commonly used in planes, but traditional solutions usually contain harmful chemical components Bantugon is one of ten innovators for the Young Inventors Prize, to be awarded by the European Patent Office (EPO) on 18 June 2025 MUNICH, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The aviation industry depends on sealants to prevent fuel leaks, but conventional options usually contain toxic chemicals that may pose health risks and must be treated as hazardous waste. Filipino aeronautical engineer Mark Kennedy Bantugon (26) has developed Pili Seal®, a bio-based alternative derived from the agricultural waste of Pili tree resin. The material, an aircraft sealant and adhesive, aims to improve workplace safety in the aviation industry and reduce environmental impact while offering a locally sourced, biodegradable option. Bantugon's innovation has earned him a place as one of the ten global innovators in the Young Inventors Prize 2025, known as Tomorrow Shapers. They were selected from 450 candidates by an independent jury. Using waste for a safer and cleaner world For over fifty years, polysulfide-based sealants have been the industry standard for preventing fuel leaks in aircraft. However, they may cause skin and respiratory irritation, and their disposal poses an environmental challenge, especially when heated or burned. The European Chemicals Agency has identified substances commonly found in adhesives and sealants as hazardous, highlighting the need for careful handling and disposal. Pili Seal® offers a safer alternative to some toxic petrochemical derived sealants and adhesives, using a by-product of the perfume industry. This two-part sealant and adhesive combines the agricultural waste Pili tree resin with a solvent and hardening agent, providing both sealing and adhesive properties. It withstands fuel exposure, heat and pressure, making it suitable for aircraft fuel tanks and other high-performance applications. The sealant has been thoroughly tested, with four formulations passing industry-standard flammability tests. Beyond aviation, this invention has the potential to be used in construction, automotive, marine and defence industries, contributing to a circular economy by repurposing 155 million kilograms of agricultural Pili Tree resin waste generated annually in the Philippines, primarily from the perfume and food industries. Inspired by necessity, built for the future Bantugon's early exposure to farm life in Batangas (Philippines) played a crucial role in his innovation journey. As a child, he and his siblings patched leaky roofs using chewing gum, sparking his curiosity about adhesives and sealants. This interest continued into his aeronautical engineering studies, where an internship at Lufthansa Technik Philippines exposed him to the hazards of conventional sealants and adhesives. Determined to develop a safer and more sustainable alternative, Bantugon experimented with resins from six different trees before selecting Pili tree resin. The resin's natural stickiness offers ideal adhesive properties, while its fragrant odour makes it easy to work with, especially in confined spaces. Overcoming multiple challenges, he refined 84 different formulations before achieving the final composition. To commercialise his sealant, Bantugon founded Pili AdheSeal Inc. in 2024. "My mother, a public-school teacher, helped me understand the value of a strong and well-rounded education. My father, as a farmer, introduced me to the farm as a training ground—a place where I learned about different plants, animals, trees, and, most importantly, the potential in waste materials," Bantugon explained. The Young Inventors Prize celebrates worldwide innovators 30 and under using technology to address global challenges posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By transforming agricultural waste into a high-performance sealant, Mark Kennedy Bantugon is directly contributing to UN SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure). The prizes of the 2025 edition will be announced during a ceremony livestreamed from Iceland on 18 June 2025. Find more information about the invention's impact, the technology and the inventor's story the Young Inventors Prize Aimed at individuals 30 and under, the Young Inventors Prize showcases the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognises the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future. Established in 2022, trophies were first handed out during the European Inventor Award ceremony. From 2025 onwards, the Prize will move up a gear with its own dedicated event, held separately from the Award. Among the 10 Tomorrow Shapers selected for each edition, three will be awarded a special prize: World Builders, Community Healers, and Nature Guardians. In addition, a People's Choice winner, voted by the public online, will be revealed. Each Tomorrow Shaper will receive EUR 5 000, the three special prize winners will each receive an extra EUR 15 000. The People's Choice winner will be awarded an additional EUR 5 000. Read more on the Young Inventors Prize eligibility and selection criteria. About the EPO With 6,300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO's centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 46 countries, covering a market of some 700 million people. The EPO is also the world's leading authority in patent information and patent searching. View original content: SOURCE European Patent Office (EPO) Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
