Sustainable Aviation
Daher Launches Fly’in R&D Center for Sustainable Aviation
Daher Opens Fly’in Sustainable Aviation R&D Center
The aviation industry is undergoing a transformative shift towards sustainability, driven by the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions and environmental impact. French aircraft manufacturer Daher has taken a significant step in this direction with the opening of its Fly’in sustainable aviation R&D center. Located at Tarbes-Lourdes-Pyrénées Airport in southwestern France, this state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to advancing technologies that will shape the future of eco-friendly aviation.
Fly’in is part of Daher’s broader Take Off 2027 strategy, which aims to innovate and decarbonize the aerospace sector. The center is equipped with cutting-edge tools for rapid prototyping, additive manufacturing, flight testing, and data science, making it a hub for sustainable aviation research. One of its flagship projects is the EcoPulse aircraft demonstrator, a collaborative effort with Safran and Airbus to develop hybrid-electric propulsion technologies. This initiative underscores Daher’s commitment to aligning technological advancements with environmental responsibility.
The opening of Fly’in is not just a milestone for Daher but also a reflection of the aviation industry’s collective effort to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. With support from the French government, the EU, and regional authorities, Fly’in is poised to play a pivotal role in training the next generation of aerospace professionals and driving innovation in sustainable aviation.
The EcoPulse Project: A Leap Towards Hybrid-Electric Aviation
The EcoPulse project is a cornerstone of Daher’s sustainability efforts. Developed in collaboration with Safran and Airbus, this initiative focuses on creating a distributed propulsion hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator. The project aligns with the aviation industry’s decarbonization goals and aims to reduce polluting emissions and noise pollution while exploring new applications for air transportation.
Since its first hybrid-electric test flight in November 2023, the EcoPulse demonstrator has achieved remarkable milestones, including 100 flight hours and 50 test flights. The aircraft features an onboard electric power network with a voltage of approximately 800 volts DC and a power output of 350 kilowatts, setting new standards for hybrid-electric aviation. These achievements highlight the potential of hybrid propulsion systems to revolutionize the industry.
Pascal Laguerre, Chief Technology Officer of Daher, emphasized the significance of the project: “EcoPulse has enabled Daher to take a crucial step forward in developing a low-carbon aircraft. This project not only helped us design an operational system for a demonstration prototype but also tackle critical technological hurdles.”
“EcoPulse has enabled Daher to take a crucial step forward in developing a low-carbon aircraft. This project not only helped us design an operational system for a demonstration prototype but also tackle critical technological hurdles.” – Pascal Laguerre, Chief Technology Officer of Daher
Fly’in Innovation Center: A Hub for Sustainable Aviation
The Fly’in center is Daher’s third innovation facility in France, joining Shap’in in Nantes and Log’in in Toulouse. Spanning 2,100 square meters, Fly’in is equipped with advanced tools for R&D, including additive manufacturing capabilities, mechanical and system test benches, and flight testing infrastructure. The center is designed to foster collaboration and accelerate the development of sustainable aviation technologies.
One of the key features of Fly’in is its focus on training and education. As part of the €57 million Campus Aero Adour program, the center aims to train up to 15,000 individuals in technologies relevant to sustainable aerospace. This initiative not only supports Daher’s strategic goals but also contributes to the economic development of the Occitanie region.
Didier Kayat, Chairman and CEO of Daher, highlighted the center’s alignment with the company’s corporate purpose: “Fly’in perfectly illustrates Daher’s efforts to innovate and collaborate for more sustainable aviation. This technology center embodies the vision of a future where technology and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.”
Future Implications and Industry Impact
The advancements made at Fly’in and through the EcoPulse project have far-reaching implications for the aviation industry. As the sector strives to meet its net-zero emissions target by 2050, hybrid-electric propulsion systems and advanced materials like thermoplastics and composites will play a critical role. These technologies not only reduce emissions but also enhance aircraft performance and efficiency.
Jean-Baptiste Manchette, Head of Propulsion of Tomorrow at Airbus, noted the importance of distributed electric propulsion: “With distributed electric propulsion, we achieved our goal of modeling flight physics and energy management at the aircraft level, key elements for shaping the next generation of aircraft.”
Looking ahead, Daher plans to launch a hybrid-electric aircraft by 2027, leveraging the insights gained from the EcoPulse project. This initiative, supported by the DGAC French civil aviation authority and NextGenerationEU, represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for aviation.
Conclusion
The opening of Daher’s Fly’in sustainable aviation R&D center marks a pivotal moment in the aerospace industry’s journey towards sustainability. By focusing on hybrid-electric propulsion, advanced materials, and innovative training programs, Daher is positioning itself as a leader in eco-friendly aviation. The success of the EcoPulse project underscores the potential of collaborative efforts to drive meaningful change.
As the aviation industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Fly’in will play a crucial role in shaping its future. By combining technological innovation with environmental responsibility, Daher is not only addressing the challenges of today but also paving the way for a more sustainable tomorrow. The lessons learned from Fly’in and EcoPulse will undoubtedly influence the broader aerospace sector, inspiring further advancements in sustainable aviation.
FAQ
What is the EcoPulse project?
The EcoPulse project is a collaborative initiative by Daher, Safran, and Airbus to develop a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator. It aims to reduce emissions and noise pollution while exploring new applications for air transportation.
What are the key features of the Fly’in center?
Fly’in is equipped with advanced R&D tools, including additive manufacturing, flight testing facilities, and mechanical test benches. It also focuses on training and education as part of the Campus Aero Adour program.
How does Fly’in contribute to sustainable aviation?
Fly’in supports the development of hybrid-electric propulsion systems and advanced materials, aligning with the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Sources: Aerospace Testing International, Daher, Flying Magazine
Sustainable Aviation
Nova Pangaea Completes 72-Hour SAF Endurance Trial at Teesside
Nova Pangaea Technologies validates its REFNOVA waste biomass to bioethanol process with a 72-hour continuous trial at its UK plant.
Nova Pangaea Technologies (NPT) has completed a 72-hour continuous endurance trial of its REFNOVA technology at its Teesside demonstration plant in the United Kingdom, validating a process that converts waste biomass into bioethanol for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
Announced in a press release on August 24, 2026, the milestone demonstrates a scalable alternative to hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) derived from used cooking oil. The HEFA pathway currently dominates the SAF market but faces supply constraints and escalating costs as competition intensifies across biofuel sectors.
Scaling waste-to-fuel technology
During the trials, the Teesside facility processed up to three tonnes of softwood residues per day, maintaining stable operation for up to 72 hours. The successful run follows initial smaller-scale tests conducted in early 2025 that proved the viability of the REFNOVA process outside laboratory conditions.
NPT Chief Executive Officer Stewart Stewart stated in the press release that the trials validate the technology and will support investor confidence as the company moves toward constructing its first commercial plant.
To date, NPT has raised over £21 million from investors including International Airlines Group (IAG), Mercia Ventures, and UK government grants. The company plans to conduct further trials in 2027 to refine the design of its commercial-scale facilities.
Project Speedbird and UK SAF mandates
The technological validation directly supports Project Speedbird, a joint initiative between NPT, LanzaJet, and British Airways. Backed by the UK government’s Advanced Fuels Fund, the project aims to develop domestic SAF production capabilities using agricultural and wood waste. Under this initiative, NPT plans to construct four UK facilities to produce bioethanol.
The push for domestic production aligns with the UK SAF Mandate, which requires 3.6% of jet fuel supplied in 2026 to come from sustainable sources. This requirement scales to 10% by 2030 and 22% by 2040.
Speaking to SAF Investor, Stewart emphasized the urgency of diversifying feedstocks amid rising demand and geopolitical supply chain shocks.
“Nova Pangaea’s tried and tested technology offers a genuine alternative. By tapping into the plentiful supplies of waste biomass, we can boost SAF production, enhancing our energy security, and building a new domestic industry that generates jobs and revenues while reducing fossil fuel emissions,” Stewart told the publication.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful endurance trials at Teesside as a necessary step toward breaking the aviation industry’s reliance on used cooking oil and waste animal fats. While HEFA-based SAF has proven the viability of drop-in replacement fuels, the limited global supply of waste oils creates a hard ceiling on production capacity.
Unlocking agricultural and forestry waste as a feedstock opens a significantly larger volume of raw material. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that available waste biomass in Europe and the UK could yield 30 million tonnes of SAF by 2030. Beyond volume, the REFNOVA process generates biochar as a byproduct. This creates a carbon-negative fuel lifecycle, which will become increasingly valuable to airlines as regulatory frameworks tighten around lifecycle emissions accounting.
Sources: Nova Pangaea Technologies
Photo Credit: Nova Pangaea Technologies
Sustainable Aviation
KBR PureSAF Technology Selected for Kazakhstan First SAF Plant
KBR licenses PureSAF technology for Kazakhstan’s first SAF facility, using an alcohol-to-jet process with domestic feedstocks.
Global engineering firm KBR announced on August 24, 2026, that it secured a contracts to license its proprietary PureSAF technology and provide engineering design for Kazakhstan’s inaugural Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility. The project, developed in partnership with KazMunayGas-Aero LLP (KMG-Aero) and KazFoodProducts (KFP), will utilize domestic agricultural feedstocks to produce low-carbon aviation fuel via an alcohol-to-jet (AtJ) process.
In a press release detailing the contract award, KBR confirmed the agreement supports Kazakhstan’s strategic objective to establish itself as an international aviation hub while advancing aviation decarbonization. The planned facility will leverage technology developed in collaboration with Swedish Biofuels AB to convert ethanol into drop-in aviation fuel.
Technology and Project Scope
The facility will utilize KBR’s PureSAF technology, an alcohol-to-jet pathway designed to process agricultural feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel. The foundational trilateral agreement covering the Process Design Package (PDP) and technology licensing was signed by KBR, KMG-Aero, and KFP in Astana on July 23, 2026. KBR, which employs approximately 37,000 people and operates in 28 countries, will provide the engineering framework required to scale the AtJ process for commercial output.
KBR Sustainable Technology Solutions President Jay Ibrahim stated the company is honored to support the national commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feed-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver high SAF yields and supports the project across the full lifecycle. We look forward to closely collaborating and supporting the successful execution of this landmark SAF project,” Ibrahim said.
Kazakhstan’s Aviation Decarbonization Strategy
The KBR contract follows a series of government initiatives aimed at building a domestic SAF supply chain. On August 4, 2026, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and Dr. Peter Lee of Hong Kong-based Full Vision Capital signed a memorandum of understanding to explore creating a green aviation fuel ecosystem in the city of Alatau. This proposed ecosystem would cover the full production cycle, from cultivating agricultural feedstock to manufacturing the finished product.
These infrastructure investments align with recommendations from global aviation regulators and industry groups. In April 2026, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) emphasized that continued investment in SAF, alongside new airport infrastructure, is critical for Kazakhstan to capitalize on global passenger and cargo traffic and strengthen its domestic aviation sector.
AirPro News analysis
The KBR contract award represents a concrete technical step in Kazakhstan’s ambition to localize SAF production, but several commercial variables remain undefined. The August 24 announcement did not disclose the financial value of the engineering contract, the projected production capacity of the facility, or a target completion date. We note that while the alcohol-to-jet pathway is a proven method for SAF production, scaling agricultural feedstock supply-chain domestically will be critical to the plant’s long-term viability. The parallel involvement of Full Vision Capital suggests the government is actively working to finance and structure this agricultural supply chain in the Alatau region to ensure the KBR-designed facility has the necessary inputs to operate at scale.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: Montage
Sustainable Aviation
Syzygy Plasmonics and IFC Partner on SAF Projects in Latin America
Syzygy Plasmonics and IFC sign a framework to develop SAF projects in Latin America, starting with a 350,000-gallon facility in Uruguay.
Syzygy Plasmonics and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) announced a framework agreement on August 18, 2026, to develop a pipeline of SAF projects across Latin America, beginning with a commercial-scale facility in Uruguay.
The partnership, detailed in a press release issued by Syzygy Plasmonics, pairs the company’s proprietary light-driven reactor technology with the IFC’s technical and commercial advisory services. The initiative targets emerging markets by utilizing regional renewable energy and biogas feedstocks to produce lower-carbon alternatives to conventional jet fuel.
The NovaSAF-1 project in Uruguay
The first project under this framework is NovaSAF-1, located in Durazno, Uruguay. The facility is projected to produce an estimated 350,000 gallons of SAF annually. Syzygy Plasmonics has set a target year of 2028 for the commencement of commercial-scale operations and initial fuel deliveries from the site.
NovaSAF-1 will utilize biogas sourced from the nearby Estancias Del Lago powdered milk plant. This biogas will be combined with Uruguayan renewable electricity to produce synthetic paraffinic kerosene. The production process integrates Syzygy’s light-driven technology with Fischer-Tropsch technology licensed from Velocys to maximize fuel output. According to Syzygy Plasmonics, this process yields an estimated reduction in lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions of up to 90 percent compared with conventional jet fuel.
Commercial backing and offtake agreements
The IFC framework agreement follows established commercial commitments for the NovaSAF-1 facility. On January 20, 2026, global commodities group Trafigura signed a binding six-year offtake agreement to purchase the entire production volume from the Uruguayan plant. The agreement also includes an option for Trafigura to purchase additional volumes from future Syzygy projects.
Syzygy Plasmonics CEO Trevor Best described the commercial arrangements as a critical step toward commercial-scale impact and disrupting the SAF market. The IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will provide advisory support to help scale these operations across the region.
“The transition to lower-carbon aviation will depend on technologies that are not only innovative, but commercially viable and scalable,” said Raphaël Eskinazi, IFC Regional Investment Manager for Manufacturing and Forests in Latin America and the Caribbean. “IFC’s role is to help bridge that transition: supporting pioneering projects that can mobilize private capital, demonstrate new business models and create pathways for broader market adoption across emerging economies.”
AirPro News analysis
We view the alignment of IFC advisory services, Trafigura’s guaranteed offtake, and Velocys’ established Fischer-Tropsch technology as a significant de-risking mechanism for Syzygy Plasmonics. Scaling novel SAF production methods, particularly those categorized as Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBO), typically faces steep financing hurdles. By securing a guaranteed buyer for 100 percent of the initial plant’s output before finalizing the IFC framework, Syzygy has demonstrated a clear path to revenue.
Latin America presents a highly favorable environment for RFNBO production. The region offers abundant agricultural waste for biogas and a growing grid of renewable electricity. If NovaSAF-1 meets its 2028 production targets, the framework agreement with the IFC positions Syzygy to replicate this model rapidly across other agricultural and renewable energy hubs in the Southern Hemisphere.
Photo Credit: Syzygy Plasmonics
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