Sustainable Aviation
Daher Advances Aerospace Decarbonization with Hybrid Electric Innovation
Daher targets 50% emissions reduction by 2032 with hybrid-electric tech and sustainable fuel, leading aerospace decarbonization efforts.
The aviation industry faces mounting pressure to reduce its carbon footprint as global climate goals become more urgent. Within this context, Daher, a French industrial conglomerate with a rich heritage in aerospace, has emerged as a leader in the sector’s decarbonization efforts. The company’s comprehensive approach goes beyond compliance, aiming to drive systemic change throughout the aerospace value chain. This article examines Daher’s low-carbon strategy, its implementation, and its significance for the future of sustainable aviation.
Daher’s commitment is not just a response to regulatory demands but a proactive business strategy that integrates climate action into every facet of its operations. By leveraging its unique position across aircraft manufacturing, industrial services, and logistics, Daher seeks to set new benchmarks for environmental responsibility within the aerospace sector. The following analysis explores the company’s history, strategic pillars, technological innovations, and broader implications for the industry.
Founded in 1863, Daher has evolved from a shipping company into a multifaceted industrial conglomerate. The family-owned business, with an 80% stake held by the Daher family and 20% by the French public investment bank BPI, has maintained a long-term vision that favors strategic investments in sustainability. Its involvement in aerospace began over a century ago, and today, Daher stands as the world’s oldest aircraft manufacturer still in operation.
The company’s operations span aircraft manufacturing (notably the TBM and Kodiak lines), industrial services, and logistics. In 2023, Daher employed approximately 13,000 people and generated revenues of €1.65 billion. Its diversified business model enables it to influence multiple touchpoints in the aerospace supply chain, positioning the company as a system integrator for environmental transformation.
Daher’s international reach is significant, with a strong presence in Europe and North America and a growing footprint in Asia. The company’s acquisition of Assistance Aéronautique et Aérospatiale (AAA) in 2023 further bolstered its industrial services capabilities, making it a key partner for major aerospace players such as Airbus, Boeing, and Dassault.
“Daher’s unique value proposition lies in its ability to influence the entire aerospace ecosystem, from design and manufacturing to logistics and supply chain management.”
Daher’s climate policy is anchored on four strategic pillars: reducing operational emissions, engaging suppliers, decarbonizing products and services, and climate adaptation. The first pillar targets a 50% reduction in operational emissions by 2032, with an interim goal of 23% by 2027, aligning with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C objective. This is being pursued through energy efficiency, electrification, increased use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and process optimization.
The second pillar focuses on supplier engagement. By 2027, Daher aims to assess the carbon maturity of its 50 highest-emitting suppliers, expanding to the top 100 by 2032. This includes gathering reliable CO₂ data and co-developing emission reduction pathways, fostering a collaborative approach to decarbonization across the supply chain.
The third pillar addresses the decarbonization of products and services. Daher has committed to developing a lower-carbon aircraft by 2027, increasing SAF usage to over 10% by 2027 and 20% by 2032, and investing heavily in composite materials research to reduce aircraft weight and improve energy efficiency. The fourth pillar involves climate adaptation, with site risk mapping and adaptation plans to be completed by 2032. Daher’s “Take Off 2027” plan integrates sustainability with business growth. The company aims for a 5% annual reduction in CO₂ emissions starting in 2025, with early progress demonstrated by an 11% reduction in French Scopes 1 and 2 emissions in 2023. The plan also includes organizational restructuring to enhance agility and embed sustainability into all business lines.
Innovation is central to Daher’s decarbonization efforts. The company operates three regional technology centers: Log’in (logistics innovation in Toulouse), Shap’in (composite materials in Nantes), and Fly’in (general aviation in Tarbes). These centers drive R&D in hybrid propulsion, advanced materials, digital transformation, and supply chain optimization, ensuring that both immediate and long-term sustainability goals are met.
The company’s open innovation program, Imagineering by Daher, and active participation in CORAC (French Council for Civil Aeronautical Research) projects highlight its commitment to collaborative technological advancement. These initiatives foster partnerships with startups, academic institutions, and industry leaders to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable aviation technologies.
EcoPulse, a joint project with Safran and Airbus, is a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator based on the Daher TBM 900. In November 2023, EcoPulse completed its first hybrid-electric test flight, marking a major milestone in distributed hybrid-electric propulsion. The demonstrator features six wing-mounted e-propellers, each powered by Safran ENGINeUSTM electric engines, and has accumulated over 100 flight hours as of mid-2024.
This project has validated the technical feasibility of high-voltage (800V DC) distributed propulsion and provided insights into noise reduction, battery management, and certification challenges. The collaborative approach, with each partner contributing specialized expertise, exemplifies the ecosystem model necessary for scaling sustainable aviation solutions.
Key findings from EcoPulse include the importance of synchro-phasing electric propellers for noise reduction, the need for advanced battery systems, and the critical role of pilot assistance interfaces. These insights will inform the development of next-generation hybrid and electric aircraft, supporting Daher’s goal of bringing a hybrid-electric aircraft to market by 2027.
“The EcoPulse project demonstrates that collaborative innovation is essential for overcoming the complex technical and regulatory challenges of aviation decarbonization.”
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is a cornerstone of Daher’s decarbonization strategy. The company has committed to exceeding 10% SAF usage by 2027 and 20% by 2032. However, the broader industry faces challenges: global SAF production in 2024 was less than 1.5 million metric tons, just 0.5% of total jet fuel needs, and SAF remains three times more expensive than conventional kerosene.
Daher’s supplier engagement extends to responsible purchasing, as evidenced by its RFAR label and high EcoVadis scores in responsible procurement. The company’s 3R (Reduce, Recycle, Reuse) strategy optimizes packaging and promotes circular economy principles, while initiatives like the Terra Preta project recycle thermoplastic composite waste for use in certified aircraft components. These efforts are complemented by waste mapping, improved sorting, and employee engagement in sustainability practices. Daher’s comprehensive approach to supply chain transformation ensures that decarbonization is embedded at every stage of the product lifecycle.
The aviation industry has committed to net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050, with regulatory frameworks such as the EU’s SAF blending mandates providing market certainty for sustainable fuels. Despite representing just 2–3% of global emissions, aviation’s projected growth to 8 billion passengers by 2040 makes it one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize.
Technology development is proceeding on multiple fronts: SAF, hybrid and electric propulsion, hydrogen aircraft, and operational efficiencies. The sustainable aviation fuel market, valued at $1.7 billion in 2024, is expected to grow rapidly, but scaling production from 1.5 million to at least 16 million metric tons by 2030 remains a formidable challenge.
For manufacturers, the window for action is narrow. Analysis suggests that by 2032–2037, all new aircraft must be net-zero capable to enable airlines to meet 2050 targets. This places significant pressure on R&D investment, regulatory harmonization, and ecosystem collaboration.
Daher’s efforts have earned recognition from the CDP (B rating), EcoVadis (bronze medal, 64/100), and Top Employer France (three consecutive years). These accolades reflect the company’s leadership in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, as well as its strength in responsible purchasing and employee engagement.
The company’s financial performance, €1.65 billion in 2023 revenue, and continued international expansion demonstrate that sustainability and profitability can be mutually reinforcing. Daher’s quadrupling of R&D investment under the Take Off 2027 plan and its focus on composite materials research further cement its position as an industry innovator.
By integrating sustainability into business strategy, Daher is not only mitigating risk but also capturing emerging market opportunities as regulatory requirements tighten and customer preferences shift toward greener solutions.
Daher’s comprehensive low-carbon strategy exemplifies how aerospace companies can lead the transition to sustainable aviation. By addressing emissions across operations, supply chains, products, and climate adaptation, and by investing in breakthrough technologies like hybrid-electric propulsion, Daher sets a benchmark for systemic industry transformation. Looking ahead, the successful commercialization of hybrid-electric aircraft and continued supply chain engagement will be critical for achieving net-zero goals. Daher’s experience underscores the importance of collaboration, innovation, and integration of sustainability into core business strategy. As the industry moves toward 2050, companies that combine environmental leadership with operational excellence will be best positioned to shape the future of flight.
What are Daher’s main decarbonization targets? What is the EcoPulse project? How does Daher involve its suppliers in decarbonization? What challenges does the aviation industry face in scaling SAF? How is Daher recognized for its sustainability efforts?
Daher’s Commitment to a Low-Carbon Future: A Deep Dive into Aerospace Decarbonization
Company Background and Strategic Foundation
Historical Context and Market Position
Strategic Climate Policy: The Four Pillars
Innovation and Implementation: Driving Decarbonization
Take Off 2027: Strategic Plan in Action
Revolutionary Technology: The EcoPulse Project
Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Supply Chain Transformation
Industry Context and Future Implications
Global Decarbonization Commitments and Challenges
Daher’s Role and Recognition
Conclusion
FAQ
Daher aims to reduce operational emissions by 50% by 2032 (with a 23% reduction by 2027), increase SAF usage to over 10% by 2027 and 20% by 2032, and bring a hybrid-electric aircraft to market by 2027.
EcoPulse is a hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrator developed with Safran and Airbus, based on the TBM 900. It has validated distributed propulsion and advanced battery management, providing a roadmap for future hybrid and electric aircraft.
Daher assesses the carbon maturity of its highest-emitting suppliers, collects CO₂ data, and co-develops emission reduction pathways, aiming for full engagement of the top 100 suppliers by 2032.
SAF production is currently limited and expensive, making up less than 0.5% of total jet fuel demand in 2024. Scaling production and reducing costs are key challenges for widespread adoption.
Daher has received a B rating from CDP, a bronze medal from EcoVadis, and Top Employer France certification, reflecting its strong performance in ESG, responsible purchasing, and employee engagement.
Sources
Photo Credit: Daher – Montage
Sustainable Aviation
Washington Launches Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator for SAF
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator launches with $20M funding to boost Pacific Northwest Sustainable Aviation Fuel production to 1 billion gallons annually by 2035.
This article is based on official press releases from Alaska Airlines and Washington State University, as well as public announcements from the launch event.
On January 8, 2026, a coalition of government, industry, and academic leaders officially launched the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA). Unveiled at the Boeing Future of Flight in Mukilteo, Washington, the initiative aims to establish the Pacific Northwest as a global leader in the production and deployment of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
According to official announcements, the accelerator is backed by $20 million in initial funding. This capital includes $10 million from Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act funds and a matching $10 million contribution from an anonymous philanthropic donor. The coalition has set an ambitious target: to scale regional SAF production to 1 billion gallons annually by 2035.
The initiative represents a broad partnership designed to bridge the gap between policy, technology, and commercial viability. Washington Governor Bob Ferguson championed the launch, positioning it as both an economic engine and a critical climate solution for the state.
The coalition features major stakeholders across multiple sectors:
“We have all the pieces in place to ensure this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity is realized, and this accelerator will make that happen.”
, Governor Bob Ferguson, via official press release
To address the complex barriers facing the SAF market, the initiative is divided into two complementary arms: the Accelerator and the Institute.
The CSAA focuses on market acceleration, financing, and policy advocacy. Its primary mission is to “de-risk” the industry for producers and investors. By harmonizing tax incentives and aggregating fuel demand from airlines and corporate partners, the Accelerator aims to create a stable market environment that encourages rapid scaling of production facilities. The Institute will handle the technical and scientific challenges of SAF adoption. It will operate a new Sustainable Aviation Fuel Research and Development Center based at Paine Field in Snohomish County. While a permanent facility is scheduled for completion by 2029, the center will open in a temporary commercial space in the coming months.
A key feature of the Institute will be the world’s first “SAF Repository.” This facility will function similarly to a seed bank, collecting, indexing, and distributing fuel samples to researchers globally to standardize testing and certification processes.
“For aviation to remain strong and resilient in the decades ahead, sustainability must be part of its future.”
, Elizabeth Cantwell, WSU President, via WSU News
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is widely considered the most viable near-term solution for decarbonizing long-haul aviation. Made from feedstocks such as agricultural waste, used cooking oil, or captured carbon, SAF can reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. However, current supply accounts for less than 1% of global jet fuel usage, and it remains significantly more expensive than fossil-based alternatives.
The Pacific Northwest is viewed as an ideal “test bed” for solving these problems due to its access to renewable hydroelectric power, forestry and agricultural residues, and a deep aerospace talent pool.
The Accelerator aims to support existing regional projects, including:
“This is a systems issue that no one company can solve. You’ve got great companies… ready to use this fuel, but we have to make it available.”
, Guy Palumbo, Amazon Director of Public Policy, via launch event remarks
The launch of the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator marks a shift from individual corporate sustainability goals to a systemic regional strategy. While the target of 1 billion gallons by 2035 is aggressive, the bifurcation of the initiative into an “Accelerator” (finance/policy) and an “Institute” (R&D) suggests a mature understanding of the bottlenecks. The primary challenge for the CSAA will be feedstock logistics. While the Pacific Northwest has abundant forestry and agricultural waste, the infrastructure to collect, transport, and process these materials at a scale capable of producing 1 billion gallons does not yet exist. Furthermore, the involvement of corporate giants like Amazon and Microsoft is critical; their willingness to pay a “green premium” for sustainable air cargo and travel could provide the demand certainty that producers need to secure financing for new plants.
Success will likely depend on how quickly the Institute can streamline the fuel certification process, which has historically been a slow hurdle for new SAF pathways.
Sources:
Washington Leaders Launch Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator to Power PNW SAF Hub
A Public-Private Coalition
Strategic Structure: Accelerator and Institute
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA)
The Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Institute (CSAI)
Industry Context and Regional Projects
AirPro News Analysis
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines
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
-
Commercial Aviation3 days agoUnited Airlines Stores Boeing 777s Over Engine Parts Shortage
-
Commercial Aviation6 days agoRyanair Rejects Starlink Over Fuel Costs and Demand Concerns
-
MRO & Manufacturing6 days agoBombardier Announces CAD 100M Manufacturing Expansion in Dorval
-
Regulations & Safety6 days agoNTSB Identifies Metal Fatigue in UPS Flight 2976 Crash Engine Mount
-
Technology & Innovation4 days agoHorizon Aircraft Reports $24M Cash and 2026 Prototype Timeline