Sustainable Aviation
Collins Aerospace Boosts Aircraft Electrification in Europe
Collins Aerospace expands UK engineering center and French production line for electric aircraft systems, aligning with EU sustainability goals.
Collins Aerospace Expands Aircraft Electrification Capabilities in Europe
As the global aerospace industry accelerates its transition toward sustainable aviation, electrification has emerged as a cornerstone of innovation. Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX Corporation, recently marked a significant milestone in this journey by expanding its aircraft electrification capabilities in Europe. This move reflects a broader industry trend to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency, and prepare for the next generation of aircraft technologies.
On June 9, 2025, Collins Aerospace announced the opening of a new engineering center of excellence in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, and a new electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS™) production line in Colomiers, France. These facilities are designed to strengthen Collins’ position in developing and manufacturing electric systems for commercial aircraft, aligning with both market demand and regulatory pressures for greener aviation solutions.
With the aviation sector under increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, this expansion represents not just a technological evolution, but a strategic response to global sustainability goals and European regulatory frameworks like the EU Green Deal. Through these investments, Collins Aerospace is positioning itself at the forefront of aircraft electrification, a market projected to grow substantially over the next decade.
Driving Innovation Through European Expansion
Wolverhampton Engineering Center: A Hub for Next-Gen Design
The new engineering center in Wolverhampton is set to become a focal point for Collins Aerospace’s research and development in electric thrust reverser actuation systems. These systems replace traditional hydraulic mechanisms with electric alternatives, offering benefits such as reduced weight, improved maintainability, and enhanced fuel efficiency. Specifically, the elecTRAS technology can reduce system weight by 15–20%, directly contributing to lower fuel consumption and emissions.
This center will collaborate closely with Collins’ Aerostructures headquarters in Chula Vista, California, and other global engineering teams. It will also work in tandem with Collins’ electronic controls and motor systems center in Solihull, UK. This multi-site integration ensures a streamlined and globally coordinated approach to innovation, combining expertise from various disciplines to refine and scale electric aircraft technologies.
According to Ajay Mahajan, President of Aerostructures at Collins Aerospace, the center will “bring together expertise from across the company to deliver new, innovative solutions for our customers and future platforms.” This reflects a long-term vision to not only support current aircraft like the Airbus A350 but also to innovate for future electric and hybrid-electric platforms.
“Building on in-service learning and experience, our dedicated investment to enable aircraft electrification technologies for the next-generation nacelle and elecTRAS will make future aircraft easier to maintain and operationally efficient.”, Ajay Mahajan, President of Aerostructures, Collins Aerospace
Colomiers Production Line: Scaling Electric Component Manufacturing
In Colomiers, France, Collins Aerospace has launched a new production line dedicated to the final assembly of electric thrust reverser systems. This facility will not only enhance the company’s manufacturing capacity but also improve its ability to serve European customers more efficiently. Proximity to key OEMs like Airbus is a strategic advantage, allowing for faster delivery times and better customer support.
Thrust reversers are critical safety components that help aircraft decelerate during landing. By electrifying this system, Collins is addressing both performance and environmental goals. The elecTRAS system, currently deployed on the Airbus A350 family, has already accumulated approximately 11 million flight hours and 1.8 million flight cycles, demonstrating its reliability and maturity.
The new production line is a tangible step toward meeting increasing industry demands for electric systems. As more aircraft manufacturers explore electric and hybrid-electric propulsion, the need for scalable, efficient, and sustainable component manufacturing becomes more pressing. The Colomiers facility is designed to meet this need head-on.
Strategic Alignment with European Sustainability Goals
Europe has emerged as a global leader in promoting sustainable aviation, with initiatives like the European Union’s Green Deal setting ambitious targets for carbon neutrality. Collins Aerospace’s expansion into the UK and France aligns with these regional goals, offering both technological contributions and economic benefits through job creation and industry collaboration.
Industry experts view these developments as timely and strategic. Professor Mark Thompson of Cranfield University notes, “Investments like these are crucial for accelerating the transition to electric flight. Europe’s aerospace ecosystem benefits greatly from such centers of excellence that foster innovation and collaboration.”
Furthermore, Collins Aerospace’s presence in Europe enhances the region’s technological sovereignty in aerospace systems. By establishing local R&D and manufacturing capabilities, the company contributes to a more resilient and self-sufficient European aerospace supply chain.
Broader Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
Electrification as a Market Driver
The aerospace industry is undergoing a transformative shift driven by the need to reduce carbon emissions and increase operational efficiency. Electrification is at the heart of this transformation, encompassing everything from electric propulsion systems to advanced energy management technologies. According. to industry forecasts, the market for electric and hybrid-electric aircraft could reach several billion dollars globally by 2030.
Collins Aerospace’s focus on electrification positions it competitively within this evolving landscape. As part of RTX Corporation, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company with over $80 billion in 2024 sales, Collins benefits from significant resources and strategic alignment. This enables the company to invest in long-term R&D while scaling production capabilities to meet future demand.
Other major players like Airbus, Safran, and Rolls-Royce are also investing in electric aviation, intensifying competition and innovation. However, Collins’ integrated approach, combining design, testing, and manufacturing under one strategic umbrella, offers a comprehensive advantage.
Collaborative Innovation and Industry Partnerships
Collins Aerospace is not working in isolation. The company has engaged in partnerships with aerospace OEMs and startups to co-develop electric propulsion systems. These collaborations are essential in accelerating innovation and reducing time-to-market for new technologies.
Such partnerships also reflect a growing trend in the industry toward open innovation. By leveraging external expertise and sharing development risks, companies can more effectively address complex challenges associated with electrification, such as energy density, thermal management, and certification.
Scott Lee, President of Collins Aerospace, emphasized this collaborative ethos: “Our new engineering center and production line in Europe demonstrate our commitment to leading the electrification of aircraft. By combining advanced engineering with scalable manufacturing, we are enabling the next generation of sustainable aviation.”
Regulatory and Environmental Pressures
Beyond market forces, regulatory frameworks are also shaping the future of aircraft electrification. The European Union has introduced stringent emissions targets for aviation, pushing manufacturers and suppliers to innovate rapidly. Electrification technologies are seen as key enablers in meeting these goals.
These pressures are not confined to Europe. Globally, aviation regulators are increasingly focusing on sustainability, creating a unified push toward greener technologies. Collins Aerospace’s expansion in Europe thus serves as both a regional and global strategic move.
As governments and industry bodies continue to prioritize environmental performance, companies like Collins that invest in sustainable technologies are likely to see long-term benefits in terms of market access, customer trust, and regulatory compliance.
Conclusion
Collins Aerospace’s expansion of its aircraft electrification capabilities in Europe marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of sustainable aviation. Through its new engineering center in Wolverhampton and production line in Colomiers, the company is not only enhancing its technological capabilities but also aligning itself with global and regional sustainability goals.
As the aerospace industry continues to transform, initiatives like these will play a critical role in shaping the future of flight. With a strong foundation in R&D, strategic partnerships, and a clear focus on electrification, Collins Aerospace is well-positioned to lead the charge toward a more efficient, sustainable aviation ecosystem.
FAQ
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What is aircraft electrification?
Aircraft electrification involves replacing traditional hydraulic and pneumatic systems with electric alternatives to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and support sustainable aviation.
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What is elecTRAS™?
elecTRAS™ is Collins Aerospace’s electric thrust reverser actuation system designed to replace hydraulic systems, offering weight reduction and improved fuel efficiency.
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Why did Collins Aerospace expand in Europe?
Europe is a strategic market for sustainable aviation technologies. The expansion supports regional regulatory goals and improves proximity to key customers like Airbus.
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What aircraft use Collins’ elecTRAS system?
The elecTRAS system is currently deployed on the Airbus A350 family, with over 600 aircraft in service and millions of flight hours logged.
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How does this expansion benefit the aerospace industry?
It fosters innovation, enhances manufacturing capacity, supports sustainability goals, and strengthens Europe’s aerospace supply chain.
Sources
Photo Credit: RTX
Sustainable Aviation
SABA Members Back Infinium eSAF Facility With Long-Term Deals
Google, McKinsey, and others sign binding SAFc agreements to support Infinium Energy’s 100,000 MT/year Texas eSAF project.
Corporate members of the Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance (SABA) have signed binding, multi-year agreements to purchase sustainable aviation fuel certificates (SAFc) from Infinium Energy’s planned electro-sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) facility in Texas. The commitments, announced on September 22, 2026, are designed to provide the financial demand signals necessary for Infinium to reach a final investment decision on the project.
In a press release issued by SABA, the organization confirmed that American Airlines (AA) will serve as the physical offtaker for the fuel, managing logistics and delivery. The corporate buyers purchasing the associated certificates include AVEVA, Bain & Company, Google, and McKinsey & Company. The agreement marks the first time SABA’s procurement model has been utilized to directly drive new production capacity for scalable sustainable aviation fuel.
Project Atlas production and environmental targets
Infinium Energy was selected through a SABA procurement process earlier in 2026 to provide ultra-low carbon eSAF. The fuel is produced using waste carbon dioxide and renewable energy, distinguishing it from traditional biofuel pathways that rely on agricultural or waste feedstocks.
The planned Texas facility, designated Project Atlas, is expected to have an annual sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production capacity of 100,000 metric tons. According to the alliance, the contracted volumes will support an expected greenhouse gas abatement of 212,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (mtCO2e). SABA equates this emissions reduction to approximately 3,500 commercial flights between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
“We’re proud to partner with SABA members including AVEVA, Bain & Company, Google, McKinsey, and others, as well as American Airlines to bring Infinium Energy’s next world scale eSAF facility to life. Their commitment reflects a shared conviction that decarbonizing aviation requires real investment in next-generation supply,” said Robert Schuetzle, CEO of Infinium Energy.
Aggregating demand through book-and-claim
The transaction utilizes a book-and-claim model. Corporate buyers purchase the SAFc to claim the environmental benefits against their business travel emissions, while the physical fuel is delivered to partner airlines. This mechanism allows corporations to fund SAF production even when the physical fuel cannot be delivered directly to the airports their employees use.
American Airlines will manage the physical integration of the eSAF into the commercial aviation fuel supply chain. Jill Blickstein, Chief Sustainability Officer at American Airlines, stated that the corporate commitments broaden participation in the SAF market and demonstrate how customers can collaborate with airlines and fuel producers to advance decarbonization.
SABA, a joint initiative of the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the Center for Green Market Activation (GMA), and RMI, has aggregated $500 million in SAFc demand from 35 companies to date. Aviation currently accounts for approximately 2 to 3 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
“Novel technologies are critical to meeting future demand for sustainable aviation fuel, but they will not be operational in time without investments made today. This procurement demonstrates how aggregated, long-term demand can help take promising eSAF projects from idea to reality,” said Jon Creyts, CEO of RMI.
AirPro News analysis
We view this agreement as a critical structural step for the eSAF market. Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels like those planned for Project Atlas face a steep commercialization barrier. They are highly capital-intensive to build and currently produce fuel at a significant cost premium compared to both conventional Jet A and HEFA-based SAF derived from waste fats and oils.
Airlines operate on thin margins and generally cannot absorb the full green premium of eSAF alone. By unbundling the environmental attributes from the physical fuel, the SABA model allows highly capitalized corporate entities like Google and McKinsey & Company to absorb that premium. More importantly, signing binding, multi-year offtake agreements provides the revenue certainty that infrastructure lenders require before financing first-of-a-kind industrial facilities. If Project Atlas reaches a positive final investment decision based on these contracts, it will validate the book-and-claim model as a viable financing mechanism for next-generation aerospace infrastructure.
Sources: Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance via PR Newswire
Photo Credit: Sustainable Aviation Buyers Alliance
Sustainable Aviation
EU Exceeds 2025 SAF Mandate at 2.79 Percent Blend Rate
EASA reports EU airports hit 2.79% SAF blend in 2025, surpassing the 2% ReFuelEU mandate with 1.1M tonnes supplied.
The European Union surpassed its initial Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) mandate in 2025, with SAF accounting for 2.79 percent of all jet fuel supplied to EU airports during the first mandatory reporting year.
According to the 2026 ReFuelEU Aviation Annual Technical Report published by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on September 17, 2026, fuel suppliers delivered 1.1 million tonnes of SAF against a total aviation fuel supply of 39.3 million tonnes. The 2.79 percent blend rate comfortably exceeded the 2 percent minimum required by the ReFuelEU regulation for 2025. This uptake resulted in an estimated reduction of 3.77 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.
“We are pleased to confirm that the SAF mandate under ReFuelEU Aviation was not only met but exceeded,” EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet stated in the agency’s press release.
Compliance and distribution across European hubs
The EASA report indicates high compliance rates across the sector. Ninety-three percent of aircraft operators and 90 percent of fuel suppliers fulfilled their reporting obligations in 2025. EASA noted that noncompliance among aircraft operators was primarily limited to small business jet operators, nonscheduled carriers, and third-country operators that failed to respond to competent authorities.
SAF distribution reached 121 Airports across all 27 Member States, representing 79 percent of all Union airports. Uptake was heavily concentrated at major European hubs. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) accounted for 29 percent of the tracked SAF supply, followed by Frankfurt Airport (FRA) at 8 percent and Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) at 7 percent.
Supply chain dynamics and feedstock dependencies
While the headline blending figures demonstrate regulatory success, the technical report reveals a structural reliance on imported raw materials. Although 86 percent of the SAF supplied at EU airports was refined domestically within the European Union, 85 percent of the underlying feedstocks originated from outside the bloc.
The primary feedstock utilized was Used Cooking Oil (UCO) processed via the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway. Of the imported feedstocks, 61 percent originated from China, with additional volumes sourced from Malaysia and Indonesia. On the refining side, Neste’s Rotterdam facility alone produced 33 percent of all European SAF in 2025.
AirPro News analysis
The successful implementation of the 2 percent mandate in 2025 proves that the logistical framework for SAF distribution at major European hubs is functional. However, the heavy reliance on Asian Used Cooking Oil presents a long-term vulnerability for European aviation. As the ReFuelEU mandate scales to 6 percent in 2030, the Regulations will also introduce sub-mandates for synthetic aviation fuels (e-fuels). With approximately 50 synthetic fuel projects awaiting final investment decisions and no large-scale e-fuel facilities currently operational in Europe, we anticipate significant capital mobilization will be required over the next 36 months to prevent future supply bottlenecks and reduce dependency on imported biomass.
Photo Credit: European Union Aviation Safety Agency
Sustainable Aviation
Montana Renewables Cuts SAF Expansion Cost to $137M
Calumet’s Montana Renewables targets 200M gallons of SAF annually by 2028 for $137M, down from a $1.2B plan.
Calumet, Inc. and its subsidiary Montana Renewables, LLC announced a revised expansion plan on September 1, 2026, that will scale SAF production to 200 million gallons annually by 2028 for a fraction of the originally projected cost.
By repurposing existing refining equipment at the Great Falls, Montana facility, the company expects to complete the MaxSAF project with only $137 million in remaining capital. This abandons a previous $1.2 billion megaproject design. The pivot eliminates the need for third-party equity and minimizes debt while accelerating domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) capacity.
Capital efficiency and Department of Energy funding
The original Phase 2 plan contemplated $1.2 billion in capital expenditure. The revised strategy captures 70 percent of the expected benefit for 15 percent of the cost. The financial restructuring involves an amended Loan Guarantee Agreement (LGA) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
The original LGA was executed in January 2025, with a $782 million first tranche funded in February 2025 to recapitalize Montana Renewables, LLC (MRL). Under the amended agreement, the company will make a final draw of $34 million. This is significantly lower than the original $658 million Phase 2 DOE funding limit.
Calumet CEO Todd Borgmann stated the Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF) supported the adjustment to the loan agreement.
“Our amended agreement with the DOE facilitates innovative technology and domestic energy security at a fraction of the original cost. EDF’s willingness to right-size the LGA reflects its ongoing support for Montana’s largest agricultural investment. We look forward to our continued collaboration with the DOE on the success of this project,” Borgmann said.
Borgmann credited the company’s engineering and operational teams for developing a project that maximizes output while drastically reducing the required capital investment.
Production timeline and capacity milestones
The Great Falls facility currently operates at a 60 million gallon SAF run-rate following a spring 2026 constraint removal. A scheduled turnaround in the fourth quarter of 2026 will tie in repurposed equipment from the adjacent Calumet Montana Refining facility.
Following the fourth-quarter integration, the company expects to exceed an 80 million gallon SAF run-rate by December 31, 2026. Production is projected to surpass 120 million gallons by spring 2027 and reach the 200 million gallon target by December 31, 2028.
Total renewable product sales, including renewable diesel and renewable gasoline, are targeted at 17,000 barrels per day by year-end 2028. This represents a 40 percent expansion. The expanded facility will consume 2 billion pounds of ranch- and farm-originated feedstocks annually.
AirPro News analysis
The revised MaxSAF expansion highlights a strategic shift in how producers approach SAF scaling. As noted by Aviation Week on September 2, 2026, the plan allows the largest US producer of SAF to more than triple its production capacity for barely 10 percent of the originally planned investment.
During Calumet’s second-quarter 2026 earnings call on August 7, 2026, the company confirmed that Montana Renewables completed performance testing of the newly installed MaxSAF catalyst, which met or exceeded expectations. By leveraging existing fossil-fuel infrastructure rather than pursuing multi-billion-dollar greenfield projects, producers can bring SAF to market faster and with significantly lower financial risk. This capital-efficient model may set a precedent for other refiners looking to enter or expand in the renewable fuels sector without diluting equity or taking on unsustainable debt.
Sources: Calumet, Inc.
Photo Credit: Montana Renewables
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