Sustainable Aviation
Deutsche Aircraft Completes Ground Vibration Testing on D328 UpLift
Deutsche Aircraft and DLR complete ground vibration testing on the D328 UpLift to support sustainable aviation technologies and climate-neutral goals.
The successful completion of ground vibration testing on the Deutsche Aircraft D328 UpLift flying testbed marks a significant advancement in sustainable aviation research. This achievement is a critical milestone within the German government-funded UpLift program, which aims to accelerate the development of climate-friendly aviation technologies. The collaboration between Deutsche Aircraft and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Institute of Aeroelasticity exemplifies the potential for industry-research partnerships to drive meaningful progress toward aviation decarbonization, while establishing structural validation frameworks that will support future Hydrogen propulsion systems and alternative fuel technologies in regional aircraft operations.
The UpLift project is not merely a technical exercise; it is a strategic initiative rooted in Germany’s broader commitment to achieving climate-neutral aviation. By providing a flying laboratory designed for rigorous, real-world testing of sustainable propulsion and fuel systems, the UpLift program is positioned as a cornerstone for both technological innovation and policy-driven transformation in the aviation sector.
Launched in 2023 as part of the German government’s aeronautics research program ‘LuFo Klima’, the UpLift program received €45.2 million in funding from the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). Its main objective is to create a flying test laboratory for evaluating sustainable aviation technologies under actual flight conditions, with a focus on hydrogen propulsion systems and synthetic fuels.
The Dornier 328-100 Model 20 was selected as the research platform, reflecting its proven operational record and suitability for experimental modifications. Deutsche Manufacturers, the Type Certificate Holder of the D328 family, ensures comprehensive expertise in structural characteristics and modification requirements. The D328’s size and configuration make it ideal for serving as a flexible, adaptable flying testbed.
What sets the UpLift program apart is its open-technology approach. By making the test laboratory available to research institutions, industrial companies, SMEs, and Startups lacking their own flight test facilities, the program democratizes access to aviation research infrastructure. This collaborative model accelerates the deployment of new propulsion and fuel technologies, moving research beyond ground-based simulations to real operational scenarios.
“The path towards climate-neutral flights is a joint effort between the whole aviation ecosystem.”, Nico Neumann, CEO, Deutsche Aircraft
Beyond technical progress, the UpLift program serves broader economic and industrial policy goals. Anna Christmann, Federal Government Coordinator of German Aerospace Policy, highlighted its significance as “a key industrial policy project for climate-friendly flying.” The initiative demonstrates Germany’s recognition that aviation decarbonization requires not just technological breakthroughs, but also coordinated efforts and sustained public investment.
Ground vibration testing (GVT) is a pivotal step in aircraft development and modification, providing essential data for validating structural dynamics. The D328 UpLift GVT campaign, conducted at Deutsche Aircraft’s Oberpfaffenhofen facility, showcased advanced methodologies developed by DLR’s Institute of Aeroelasticity.
During testing, the aircraft was suspended using actively controlled air springs attached to its landing gear axles, isolating it from ground interference. This approach, an improvement over traditional suspension methods, ensures that vibration responses reflect the aircraft’s inherent characteristics. Over two weeks, the structure was excited at more than 20 locations using electrodynamic shakers, thoroughly characterizing its dynamic behavior. A network of 237 acceleration sensors captured responses across the airframe, providing high spatial resolution of vibrations and enabling precise identification of mode shapes and frequencies. Three different aircraft configurations were tested, accumulating 45 hours of excitation time. This systematic approach yielded 50 distinct eigenforms, representing the various vibration modes that define the structure’s dynamic behavior.
“We can now evaluate upcoming modifications to the research aircraft in terms of their aeroelastic behaviour.”, Julian Sinske, DLR Institute of Aeroelasticity
This comprehensive dataset forms the foundation for validating and refining numerical models used in flutter analysis and loads calculations. By establishing a clear baseline for the aircraft’s dynamic characteristics, engineers can predict and mitigate potential aeroelastic issues before modifications are implemented or flight tests are conducted.
The GVT campaign’s success underscores the synergy between Deutsche Aircraft and DLR’s Institute of Aeroelasticity. Deutsche Aircraft brings deep knowledge of the D328 platform, while DLR contributes expertise in aeroelasticity, structural dynamics, and experimental testing. This partnership integrates practical, commercial aviation experience with cutting-edge research capabilities.
DLR’s Institute of Aeroelasticity operates as a leading research center in aeroelasticity, aeroservoelasticity, structural dynamics, and related fields. Its multidisciplinary approach and large-scale experimental facilities enable comprehensive analysis of the complex interactions between aerodynamics, structural mechanics, and system dynamics. This ensures that research findings are both scientifically rigorous and practically applicable.
The integration of theoretical-numerical and experimental investigations strengthens the validation process. Simon Binder, Senior Engineer for Loads and Aeroelastics at Deutsche Aircraft, emphasized that the GVT campaign is “a cornerstone in validating the Global Finite Element Model (GFEM) in support of the structural modifications designed for the UpLift D-CUPL.” This validation is critical for safe and efficient design iterations as the aircraft undergoes further research-driven modifications.
The D328 UpLift aircraft, based on the Dornier 328-100 Model 20, is engineered to offer substantial flexibility for sustainable aviation research. Measuring 21.3 meters in length with a 21-meter wingspan, it provides ample space for experimental equipment while maintaining operational manageability. Its maximum takeoff weight is 13,990 kilograms, with up to 3,000 kilograms available for research payloads depending on fuel requirements.
Certified under CS-25 standards, the D328 UpLift meets stringent safety requirements for transport category aircraft. This Certification is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and operational safety of an experimental testbed, especially when integrating novel technologies or operating under non-standard conditions.
Operationally, the aircraft can reach altitudes up to 31,000 feet, with a maximum flight duration of six hours and cruising speeds around 348 knots. The cabin offers 6.5 by 1.5 meters of floor space for installations and a 400-ampere, 28-volt DC power supply for sophisticated measurement systems. Telemetry systems support real-time monitoring with a range of up to 250 kilometers and 10 Mbps downlink capacity, enhancing both research flexibility and safety. The GVT milestone is set against a backdrop of intense global activity in sustainable aviation technology. The industry faces mounting regulatory and societal pressure to decarbonize, with the UpLift program’s research contributions being especially timely and relevant. Notably, in October 2024, Deutsche Aircraft conducted the first test flight with the D328 UpLift using 100% synthetic zero aromatics fuel in both engines, a first for a CS-25 certified aircraft. This flight, part of the CLIM0ART campaign, demonstrated the platform’s capability to evaluate advanced fuels in real conditions.
Power-to-Liquid (PtL) fuels, produced from sustainable CO2, renewable energy, and water, hold promise for large-scale sustainable fuel production. The UpLift platform’s ability to test these fuels under flight conditions provides critical validation data for regulatory and commercial decisions. The absence of aromatics in synthetic fuels can reduce contrail climate impact and improve airport air quality, addressing multiple environmental concerns.
Hydrogen propulsion is another key focus. Hydrogen offers zero direct CO2 emissions and high energy density, but integrating hydrogen systems requires major changes to aircraft design and infrastructure. Platforms like UpLift are essential for validating these technologies. Recent tests, such as RTX’s HySIITE rig, demonstrate hydrogen’s potential to drastically reduce NOx emissions, highlighting the need for continued research and validation.
The €45.2 million investment from the BMWK reflects the scale of commitment required for sustainable aviation research. This funding covers aircraft procurement, conversion, and operational support, ensuring stability for long-term research planning. The open-access model maximizes the return on investment by enabling a broad range of partners, including SMEs and start-ups, to leverage the research infrastructure.
Economic analysis suggests that early-stage research investments can yield substantial long-term returns through technology transfer and industrial competitiveness. Deutsche Aircraft’s dual role as research partner and commercial developer creates synergies that can accelerate the commercialization of validated technologies, as seen in the development of the D328eco aircraft.
Regional economic benefits also arise from concentrated research activities, with clusters at DLR’s Braunschweig site and Deutsche Aircraft’s Oberpfaffenhofen facility. These hubs attract talent and investment, supporting broader industrial development and job creation in the sustainable aviation sector.
Experts across industry and government underscore the significance of the GVT milestone. Nico Neumann, CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, highlights the need for ecosystem-wide collaboration. Dr. Jasmin Eberharter, Head of Strategy and Industrial Relations at Deutsche Aircraft, sees UpLift as a blueprint for demonstrating the feasibility of industry-wide sustainable aviation roadmaps.
Technical leaders, such as Simon Binder (Deutsche Aircraft) and Julian Sinske (DLR), emphasize the importance of structural validation for safe and effective modifications. Anna Christmann, Federal Government Coordinator for Aerospace Policy, frames UpLift as a key project for Germany’s sustainable development strategy, while Prof. Dr.-Ing. Anke Kaysser-Pyzalla, Chairwoman of the DLR Executive Board, points to the project’s role in fostering new collaborative models for aviation research. Internationally, the urgency of sustainable aviation research is echoed by experts like Michael Winter (RTX), who advocates for early demonstration of challenging technologies, and Dave Jackson, former CEO of Deutsche Aircraft, who sees UpLift as foundational for the industry’s future. The open-access approach is widely recognized as a catalyst for innovation, particularly among SMEs and start-ups.
The UpLift program aligns with global sustainability trends and regulatory requirements. The EU’s ReFuelEU Aviation regulation mandates minimum sustainable fuel shares from 2030, creating immediate demand for validated fuel technologies. International commitments to net-zero emissions by 2050 further intensify the need for rapid technology development and validation.
Regional aircraft like the D328 face unique challenges in adopting sustainable technologies due to their operational profiles. The UpLift program fills a critical research gap by focusing on regional applications. Hydrogen propulsion research is expanding globally, with significant programs in both the US and EU, reflecting the international race for leadership in sustainable aviation.
Supply chain disruptions and inflation have affected aircraft development timelines, as seen in the D328eco’s service entry delay to 2027. Research platforms like UpLift help address these challenges by providing robust, validated data to support integration of new technologies into existing aviation infrastructure.
The GVT campaign lays the groundwork for a wide array of research applications. Hydrogen propulsion system evaluation will progress from exhaust gas simulation to actual hydrogen combustion testing, leveraging the validated structural models. This phased approach allows systematic study of hydrogen’s environmental benefits while maintaining operational safety.
Advanced synthetic fuel research will continue, building on the successful CLIM0ART campaign. The platform’s ability to operate on 100% synthetic fuels enables comprehensive evaluation of fuel performance, emissions, and operational impacts. Hybrid-electric propulsion and advanced avionics research will also benefit from the aircraft’s flexible configuration and data acquisition capabilities.
The open-access model encourages international collaboration, expanding research scope and impact. The platform’s adaptability ensures continued relevance as technology priorities evolve, supporting both near-term and long-term sustainability goals in aviation.
The ground vibration testing of the D328 UpLift marks a pivotal achievement, establishing validated structural models that will underpin a diverse range of sustainable aviation research programs. The technical sophistication and collaborative approach of the campaign set a precedent for future industry-research Partnerships, demonstrating that complex challenges can be addressed through coordinated public and private investment. As the aviation industry navigates the transition to climate-neutral operations, the UpLift program’s contributions to technology validation, collaborative research frameworks, and open-access infrastructure will serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide. The groundwork laid by this milestone will accelerate the adoption of hydrogen propulsion, advanced synthetic fuels, and other transformative technologies essential for the future of sustainable aviation.
What is ground vibration testing and why is it important? What is the UpLift program’s main goal? How does the UpLift program support innovation? What are the next steps after ground vibration testing? How is the UpLift program funded? Sources:
Deutsche Aircraft and DLR Successfully Complete Ground Vibration Testing on D328 UpLift: A Milestone in Sustainable Aviation Research
The UpLift Program: Foundation for Climate-Neutral Aviation
Ground Vibration Testing: Technical Methodology and Implementation
Collaborative Partnership: Deutsche Aircraft and DLR Integration
Technical Specifications and Aircraft Capabilities
Sustainable Aviation Technology Development Context
Financial Investment and Economic Implications
Industry Expert Perspectives and Strategic Implications
Global Aviation Sustainability Trends and Regulatory Context
Future Research Applications and Technology Roadmaps
Conclusion
FAQ
Ground vibration testing (GVT) is a process used to measure and analyze the dynamic structural behavior of an aircraft. It is crucial for validating numerical models, ensuring safety, and supporting modifications for new propulsion or fuel systems.
The UpLift program aims to create a flying test laboratory for evaluating sustainable aviation technologies, with a focus on hydrogen propulsion and synthetic fuels, to accelerate the industry’s transition to climate-neutral operations.
By providing open access to its research infrastructure, the UpLift program enables research institutions, SMEs, and start-ups to conduct flight testing they otherwise could not afford, fostering innovation across the aviation sector.
The validated structural models from GVT will be used to safely implement and test various experimental configurations, including hydrogen propulsion systems and advanced synthetic fuels, under real flight conditions.
The program is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), with an Investments of €45.2 million covering multiple phases from aircraft conversion to operational research support.
Deutsche Aircraft
Photo Credit: DLR
Sustainable Aviation
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Partner for Hawaii SAF Production by 2026
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines join Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel locally with a $90M refinery upgrade, targeting 2026 deliveries.
This article is based on an official press release from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
In a significant move toward energy independence and decarbonization, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have announced a strategic partnership with Par Hawaii and Pono Energy to establish the first local supply chain for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Hawaii. According to the joint announcement, the consortium aims to begin deliveries of locally produced SAF by early 2026.
The collaboration brings together the state’s largest energy provider, its primary air carriers, and local agricultural innovators. The project centers on upgrading Par Hawaii’s Kapolei refinery to process renewable feedstocks, specifically Camelina sativa, a cover crop that will be grown on fallow agricultural land across the islands. This “farm-to-flight” ecosystem is designed to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint while diversifying Hawaii’s economy.
The airlines have committed to purchasing the SAF produced, providing the guaranteed demand necessary to make the project commercially viable. This agreement aligns with both carriers’ long-term goals of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.
Par Hawaii is spearheading the infrastructure development required to make local SAF a reality. According to project details summarized in the announcement and related reports, the company is investing approximately $90 million to upgrade its Kapolei refinery. This facility, the only refinery in the state, will convert a distillate hydrotreater to produce renewable fuels.
The upgraded unit will utilize HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology, a mature method for producing bio-jet fuel. Once operational, the facility is expected to have a significant output capacity.
In a joint statement, the partners emphasized the dual benefits of the initiative:
“This initiative will enable SAF production for more sustainable future flying and deliver economic benefits through the creation of a new energy sector and fuel supply chain in Hawai‘i.”
, Joint Press Statement, Alaska Airlines & Hawaiian Airlines
A critical component of this partnership is the sourcing of sustainable feedstock. Pono Energy, a subsidiary of Pono Pacific, will lead the agricultural operations. The project relies on Camelina sativa, a fast-growing, drought-tolerant oilseed crop that matures in 60 to 75 days. According to Pono Pacific, Camelina is ideal for Hawaii because it can be grown as a cover crop between other food crop rotations. This ensures that fuel production does not displace local food production. The crop helps prevent soil erosion, requires minimal water, and produces a high-protein “seedcake” byproduct that can be used as FDA-approved animal feed for local ranchers.
Chris Bennett, VP of Sustainable Energy Solutions at Pono Pacific, highlighted the circular nature of the project:
“Camelina represents a rare opportunity for Hawai‘i to build a true circular-economy model around renewable fuels.”
, Chris Bennett, Pono Pacific
The project is projected to support approximately 300 high-value manufacturing jobs at the refinery, in addition to creating new agricultural jobs for farming and harvesting. By producing fuel locally, the partnership aims to reduce Hawaii’s extreme dependence on imported fossil fuels, enhancing the state’s energy security.
The Cost and Scale Challenge
While this partnership marks a pivotal step for Hawaii, significant hurdles remain regarding cost and scale. SAF is currently estimated to be two to three times more expensive than conventional jet fuel. Without substantial subsidies or “green premiums” paid by corporate customers or passengers, this price differential poses a challenge for airlines operating in a price-sensitive leisure market like Hawaii.
Furthermore, while the projected 61 million gallons of renewable fuel is a substantial figure, it represents only a fraction of the total jet fuel consumed by commercial aviation in Hawaii. To run the refinery at full capacity, the facility will likely need to supplement local Camelina oil with imported waste oils, such as used cooking oil, until local agricultural production scales up. The success of this initiative will likely depend on the continued support of federal incentives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, and state-level renewable fuel tax credits.
When will the new SAF be available? What is SAF? Will this project affect local food supply? Who is funding the refinery upgrade?
Hawaii Aviation Leaders Unite for Local SAF Production
Investment and Infrastructure Upgrades
The Role of Pono Energy and Camelina Sativa
Sustainable Agriculture
Economic Impact
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The partners expect the first deliveries of locally produced SAF to begin in early 2026.
Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a liquid fuel currently used in commercial aviation which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 80%. It is produced from renewable feedstocks rather than crude oil.
No. The feedstock, Camelina sativa, is grown as a cover crop on fallow land or between food crop rotations, meaning it does not compete with food production.
Par Hawaii is leading the capital investment, estimated at $90 million, to upgrade the Kapolei refinery.
Sources
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines
Sustainable Aviation
KLM Supports National SAF Fund to Strengthen Dutch Economy
KLM endorses the Wennink report urging a national Sustainable Aviation Fuel fund and €151-187B investment by 2035 to support Dutch economic growth.
On December 12, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines officially endorsed the findings of the newly released advisory report, “The Route to Future Prosperity” (De weg naar toekomstige welvaart). Authored by former ASML CEO Peter Wennink, the report outlines a strategic roadmap for the Dutch economy, emphasizing the need for significant investment to maintain national competitiveness.
Central to KLM’s endorsement is the report’s recommendation for the Dutch government to establish a national SAF fund. The airline argues that such a financial mechanism is critical to bridging the price gap between fossil kerosene and renewable alternatives, thereby accelerating the aviation sector’s transition to Sustainability without compromising the Netherlands’ economic standing.
Commissioned to analyze the Dutch Investments climate, the Wennink report warns that the Netherlands risks economic stagnation if it does not increase its annual growth rate to between 1.5% and 2%. According to the findings, maintaining current social standards, including healthcare, defense, and the energy transition, requires a massive capital injection.
The report estimates that an additional €151 billion to €187 billion in investment is needed by 2035 to modernize the economy. It identifies specific high-productivity sectors as essential pillars for future prosperity, including Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology, and aviation.
KLM has aligned itself with these findings, noting that a thriving business climate relies heavily on international connectivity. In its statement, the airline emphasized that the connectivity provided by Schiphol Airport is vital for Dutch trade and for attracting international headquarters to the region.
A key pillar of the aviation Strategy proposed in the report is the creation of a government-backed fund dedicated to Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Currently, SAF is significantly more expensive than traditional fossil kerosene, often three to four times the price, and suffers from limited supply availability.
KLM posits that a national fund would act as a catalyst to solve these market inefficiencies. By subsidizing the cost difference, the fund would make SAF more affordable for Airlines, ensuring they remain competitive against non-EU carriers that may not face similar sustainability mandates. Furthermore, the fund is intended to de-risk long-term investments for energy companies, encouraging the construction of domestic refineries, such as the facilities planned in Delfzijl.
“Such a fund would enable the Netherlands to accelerate the production of alternative aviation fuels and make them more affordable, thereby accelerating the sector’s sustainability.”
— KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
KLM used the release of the Wennink report to argue against unilateral national taxes or flight restrictions, which have been subjects of recent political debate in the Netherlands. The airline warns that such measures could harm the Dutch economy by reducing connectivity and driving business elsewhere.
Instead, KLM advocates for incentivizing sustainability. The airline suggests that the government must take a more active role in the energy transition rather than relying solely on industry mandates. According to the press release, “Real progress can only be achieved if government and industry work together and if the government takes a more active role.”
The endorsement of the Wennink report represents a strategic pivot for KLM, moving the conversation from “flight shaming” to economic necessity. By aligning its sustainability goals with the broader “Draghi-style” warnings about European competitiveness, KLM is positioning aviation not just as a transport sector, but as a geopolitical asset essential for the Netherlands’ survival as a trading nation.
However, this call for government funding comes amidst a complex backdrop. In 2024, KLM faced legal scrutiny regarding “greenwashing” allegations, with courts ruling that some “Fly Responsibly” advertisements painted an overly optimistic picture of SAF’s immediate impact. The push for a national fund can be interpreted as a tacit admission that the industry cannot achieve its 2030 and 2050 climate targets through market forces alone; without state intervention to lower the cost of SAF, the “green” transition remains economically unfeasible for legacy carriers.
KLM Backs Wennink Report, Calls for National SAF Fund to Secure Dutch Economic Future
The Wennink Report: A Call for Investment
The Proposal for a National SAF Fund
Strategic Competitiveness vs. Taxation
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: KLM
Sustainable Aviation
Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères Launch Book and Claim Model for HEMS SAF
Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères partner to use Book and Claim for Sustainable Aviation Fuel credits in Catalonia’s remote emergency medical services.
On December 10, 2025, Airbus Helicopters and the French operator SAF Hélicoptères announced a strategic partnership designed to decarbonize emergency medical services (HEMS) in Catalonia, Spain. The initiative utilizes a “Book and Claim” mechanism to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) credits to operations that physically cannot access the fuel, marking a significant shift in how remote aviation sectors approach environmental compliance.
The project focuses on two Airbus H145 helicopters operated by SAF Hélicoptères for the Catalan Department of Health’s Emergency Medical Services. According to the announcement, this arrangement allows the operator to reduce its carbon footprint despite the logistical impossibility of delivering physical biofuels to small, decentralized hospital helipads.
Emergency medical missions present a unique challenge for decarbonization. Unlike commercial airlines that refuel at major hubs with established infrastructure, HEMS helicopters often operate from remote bases or hospital rooftops. Transporting small quantities of SAF to these scattered locations by truck would be inefficient and could generate more carbon emissions than the biofuel saves.
To solve this, Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères have adopted the “Book and Claim” model. Under this system, the operator purchases SAF “certificates” representing the environmental benefits of the fuel. The physical fuel is then pumped into the aviation system at a central location, such as a major airport, where it is consumed by other aircraft. SAF Hélicoptères then claims the carbon reduction for its specific HEMS missions in Catalonia.
Jean-Louis Camus, Co-director of SAF Hélicoptères, explained the contractual necessity of this arrangement in the company’s statement:
“In my contract, I state that I will pay the equivalent of a portion of my helicopters’ fuel usage in exchange for a certificate.”
Airbus Helicopters is acting as the market facilitator in this pilot program. According to the release, the manufacturer purchases SAF certificates in bulk from producers and resells them to smaller operators. This approach is intended to “de-risk” the process for customers who may lack the purchasing power to negotiate large fuel contracts independently.
Julien Manhes, Head of Sustainable Aviation Fuel at Airbus, highlighted the company’s objective to democratize access to green fuels:
“For a lot of smaller operators, getting access to SAF can be challenging… Airbus can simplify and derisk the process.”
To ensure transparency and prevent “double counting”, where two different parties might claim the same environmental benefit, the initiative utilizes a registry managed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB). This certification ensures that once the carbon reduction is claimed by the HEMS operator, it cannot be claimed by the entity physically burning the fuel at the central hub. While the “Book and Claim” model solves the immediate logistical hurdles for HEMS operators, it faces a complex regulatory landscape. As of late 2025, major frameworks like the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the ReFuelEU initiative prioritize the physical supply of fuel at mandated airports. Consequently, “Book and Claim” systems are not yet fully recognized for meeting all national compliance targets, creating a temporary regulatory gap.
Furthermore, while this system reduces Scope 3 emissions for clients like the Catalan Department of Health, the cost of SAF remains significantly higher, often 2 to 8 times that of conventional jet fuel. The willingness of public health administrations to absorb these costs signals a shift in public tenders, where environmental compliance is becoming a non-negotiable requirement for government contracts.
The deployment in Catalonia serves as a proof-of-concept for the wider industry. Juan Carlos Gomez Herrera, representing the Catalan Administration, noted that the initiative aligns with their broader public health mandate, viewing environmental responsibility as an extension of immediate medical care.
By decoupling the physical fuel from its environmental attributes, Airbus and SAF Hélicoptères are demonstrating a viable pathway for decarbonizing decentralized aviation sectors that have previously been left behind by airport-centric green policies.
Sources: Airbus
New “Book and Claim” Model Brings Sustainable Fuel to Remote Air Ambulances
Overcoming the “Last Mile” Logistics Challenge
The Role of Airbus and Certification
AirPro News Analysis: The Regulatory Gap
A Model for Future Operations
Photo Credit: Airbus
-
Commercial Aviation6 days agoVietnam Grounds 28 Aircraft Amid Pratt & Whitney Engine Shortage
-
Business Aviation2 days agoGreg Biffle and Family Die in North Carolina Plane Crash
-
Defense & Military4 days agoFinland Unveils First F-35A Lightning II under HX Fighter Program
-
Business Aviation3 days agoDassault Falcon 10X Prototype Begins Ground Tests in Bordeaux
-
Business Aviation3 days agoBombardier Launches Smart Router for Next-Gen Aircraft Connectivity