Sustainable Aviation
Cathay and Airbus Partner to Scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel by 2030
Cathay Pacific and Airbus co-invest to accelerate Sustainable Aviation Fuel production in Asia, focusing on mature projects for near-term aviation decarbonization.
Aviation’s Green Gambit: Cathay and Airbus Unite for Sustainable Fuel
The global aviation industry stands at a critical juncture, facing the immense challenge of decarbonization. As air travel continues to be a vital connector for the global economy and society, the pressure to mitigate its environmental impact has never been greater. For years, the sector has explored various avenues to reduce its carbon footprint, but one solution has consistently emerged as the most viable and immediate pathway: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). SAF is a biofuel with properties nearly identical to conventional jet fuel but produced from renewable sources, capable of significantly reducing lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Despite its promise, the widespread adoption of SAF has been hampered by significant hurdles, primarily limited production capacity and costs that far exceed those of traditional kerosene. The current global supply of SAF meets only a fraction of the industry’s demand, creating a classic chicken-and-egg scenario: airlines are hesitant to commit to a fuel that is scarce and expensive, while producers are reluctant to invest in scaling up production without firm demand. To break this impasse, collaboration across the entire aviation value chain is not just beneficial; it’s essential.
In a landmark move signaling a unified push to overcome these challenges, the Cathay Group and Airbus have announced a co-investment partnership. This collaboration between one of Asia’s leading airline groups and a premier aircraft manufacturer aims to directly tackle the SAF supply bottleneck. By pooling resources and expertise, they intend to accelerate the development and production of SAF, sending a powerful message that the industry is ready to invest in its own sustainable future.
The Mechanics of the Alliance
Announced at the IATA World Sustainability Symposium in Hong Kong, the partnership between Cathay and Airbus represents a concrete, action-oriented strategy. The core of the agreement is a joint investment to support the scaling of SAF production, with a particular focus on the critical period leading up to 2030 and beyond. This initiative is not just a financial commitment but a strategic one, designed to identify and nurture projects that are technologically mature and commercially viable.
A Focus on Mature, Near-Term Solutions
A key aspect of this collaboration is its pragmatic approach. While many sustainability efforts focus on nascent, next-generation technologies, the Cathay-Airbus partnership targets more mature SAF opportunities. The goal is to increase the availability of sustainable fuel in the near to medium term, providing a more immediate impact on aviation emissions. The partners will jointly evaluate and invest in projects that have the potential for long-term offtake agreements, thereby creating the market stability needed for producers to scale their operations confidently.
This strategy complements Cathay’s existing investments in the future of green aviation. The airline is also a participant in the oneworld BEV SAF Fund, a venture launched with Breakthrough Energy Ventures (BEV), which concentrates on advancing next-generation SAF technologies. By investing in both mature and emerging solutions, Cathay is building a diversified portfolio of sustainability initiatives. This two-pronged approach ensures the airline is supporting the immediate need for more SAF today while also fostering the innovations that will power the industry tomorrow.
The selection criteria for these investments will be rigorous. Projects will be assessed based on their technological readiness, commercial viability, and their ability to contribute meaningfully to the SAF supply chain. According to Julien Manhes, Head of SAF and Carbon Dioxide Removal Development at Airbus, the partnership will likely focus on projects expected to commence SAF production around the 2030 timeframe, aligning with industry-wide decarbonization milestones.
“SAF remains the most important lever for Cathay and the wider aviation industry to drive toward our common decarbonisation goals. This co-investment partnership with Airbus underscores our commitment to supporting a more scalable SAF industry in the near term.” – Alex McGowan, Cathay Chief Operations and Service Delivery Officer
Cultivating a SAF Ecosystem in Asia
The partnership places a significant emphasis on Asia, a region recognized for its vast potential in feedstock supply and production capacity. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to a lack of supportive regulatory frameworks. A crucial component of the Cathay-Airbus collaboration is dedicated to policy advocacy. The two companies will work together to champion government policies that support the SAF industry on both the supply and demand sides across the region.
By advocating for incentives, mandates, and a stable regulatory environment, the partnership aims to de-risk investment in SAF production facilities in Asia. Creating a favorable ecosystem is critical to unlocking the region’s potential and establishing a robust, local SAF market. This not only helps secure a future supply for airlines like Cathay but also contributes to economic development and energy security in the region.
This regional focus is a strategic move. As a major aviation hub, Asia’s transition to sustainable fuels is paramount for the global industry’s climate goals. The collaboration between Cathay, a Hong Kong-based carrier, and Airbus, a global manufacturer with a strong presence in the region, leverages their combined influence to drive meaningful policy change and infrastructure development where it is most needed.
A Model for Cross-Sectoral Action
The alliance between an airline and an aircraft manufacturer is a powerful example of the cross-sectoral collaboration required to tackle the climate crisis. It demonstrates a shared sense of responsibility and a recognition that no single entity can solve the SAF challenge alone. By joining forces, Cathay and Airbus are not only sharing the financial risk but are also combining their unique perspectives and expertise to create a more effective strategy.
This model allows for a more holistic approach. Airbus, as a manufacturer, has deep insights into aircraft technology, fuel specifications, and the long-term trajectory of the industry. Cathay, as an airline, understands the operational realities, logistical challenges, and market dynamics of fuel procurement. Together, they can make more informed investment decisions and more effectively advocate for the infrastructure and policies needed to support a thriving SAF market.
The long-standing relationship between the two companies provides a solid foundation for this new chapter in their collaboration. Cathay has long been a major operator of Airbus aircraft, with more on order. This partnership deepens their connection, moving beyond a simple customer-supplier dynamic to one of strategic partners united by a common goal of sustainability.
“The production and distribution of affordable SAF at scale requires an unprecedented cross-sectoral approach. Our partnership with Cathay is a concrete example of how we catalyse production in the most suitable locations to serve our customers.” – Anand Stanley, Airbus President Asia-Pacific
Concluding Section
The Cathay and Airbus co-investment partnership is more than just a press announcement; it is a tangible step forward in the aviation industry’s journey toward decarbonization. By focusing on scaling up mature SAF technologies and advocating for a supportive policy environment in Asia, this collaboration addresses the most pressing bottlenecks hindering the widespread adoption of sustainable fuels. It is a pragmatic, results-oriented initiative designed to make a real difference in the near term.
Ultimately, this partnership serves as a powerful blueprint for the future. It highlights that the path to a sustainable aviation industry is paved with collaboration, shared investment, and a collective commitment to action. As we look toward 2030 and beyond, such cross-sectoral alliances will be crucial in transforming aspirations into reality, ensuring that air travel can continue to connect the world in a more sustainable and responsible manner.
FAQ
Question: What is Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)?
Answer: Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel used to power aircraft that has similar properties to conventional jet fuel but is produced from renewable sources like used cooking oil, municipal waste, or agricultural residues. It can significantly reduce life cycle greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil-based jet fuel.
Question: What is the primary goal of the Cathay and Airbus partnership?
Answer: The main objective is to accelerate the development and scaling of SAF production. The partnership will jointly invest in projects that are commercially viable and technologically mature to increase the availability of SAF in the near to medium term, particularly focusing on the Asian market.
Question: Why is this partnership focused on Asia?
Answer: Asia has significant, largely untapped potential for SAF feedstock and production. A key part of the partnership is to advocate for supportive government policies in the region to create a favorable environment for SAF production and build a robust local market.
Question: How does this investment differ from Cathay’s other SAF initiatives?
Answer:
This partnership with Airbus focuses on investing in more mature SAF opportunities to increase supply in the near term (around 2030). This complements Cathay’s other investments, such as its participation in the oneworld BEV SAF Fund, which is geared toward advancing next-generation, long-term SAF technologies.
Sources
Photo Credit: Cathay Pacific
Sustainable Aviation
AeroDelft Conducts First Hydrogen Aircraft Taxi Tests in Netherlands
AeroDelft’s student team completed the first hydrogen-powered aircraft taxi tests at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, advancing sustainable aviation.
This article is based on an official press release from AeroDelft.
In late May 2026, the student-led engineering team AeroDelft achieved a significant milestone in sustainability aviation. According to an official press release from the organization, the team successfully conducted the first-ever taxi tests of a hydrogen-powered aircraft at an operational airport in the Netherlands. The tests took place at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) and represent a critical transition from laboratory research to real-world application.
The comprehensive testing phase included hydrogen refueling operations, powertrain evaluations, and active taxi tests using gaseous hydrogen. By executing these procedures in a live commercial airport environment, AeroDelft and its partners gathered essential data on both the aircraft’s technological performance and the operational protocols required to safely handle hydrogen on an active tarmac.
This achievement is the culmination of extensive engineering and preparation. As noted in the team’s announcement, bringing a hydrogen aircraft to an operational airport required rigorous safety analyses, detailed operational planning, and close collaboration among multiple aviation and energy stakeholders.
Advancing Project Phoenix
From Laboratory to Tarmac
AeroDelft, a non-profit foundation run entirely by Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) students, has been developing “Project Phoenix” since 2018. According to supplementary research data, the initiative focuses on converting a Sling 4 airframe into a manned hydrogen-electric aircraft. Industry research highlights that in May 2025, AeroDelft became the first student team globally to test a full liquid hydrogen propulsion system in a lab setting, working alongside the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO).
Safety and Operational Planning
Operating an experimental aircraft at a commercial facility demands strict safety measures. According to project data, AeroDelft developed comprehensive risk analyses and an operational taxi test plan. This was achieved in close collaboration with research test pilots Alexander in ‘t Veld and Hans Mulder from TU Delft’s Flight Test Laboratory, ensuring that the live tests at RTHA’s Fieldlab Next Aviation facility met stringent aviation safety standards.
Technical Specifications and Infrastructure
Gaseous vs. Liquid Hydrogen
The recent taxi tests utilized gaseous hydrogen. While AeroDelft’s ultimate objective is to achieve flight using liquid hydrogen, gaseous hydrogen was selected for this phase due to its current technological maturity. Based on technical specifications provided in the research report, the single-seat converted aircraft uses a hydrogen fuel cell that combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity, emitting only water. With a full tank of gaseous hydrogen, the aircraft is projected to have an endurance of approximately 40 minutes.
Transitioning to liquid hydrogen remains the next major technical hurdle. Because liquid hydrogen offers a significantly higher energy density by mass and volume, the team projects that utilizing liquid fuel will extend the aircraft’s flight endurance to approximately two hours. To achieve this, future development will require the integration of a cryogenic storage tank capable of maintaining temperatures at -253 °C, along with a complex distribution system.
The DutcHâ‚‚ Aviation Hub
The successful test campaign was facilitated by the DutcHâ‚‚ Aviation Hub, a collaborative ecosystem coordinated by the Rotterdam The Hague Innovation Airport (RHIA) Foundation and funded by the City of Rotterdam. The AeroDelft press release explicitly thanked partners including TU Delft Aerospace Engineering, RTHA, RHIA, and Air Products Benelux for their roles in turning months of preparation into a successful live test.
Perspectives on Sustainable Aviation
The transition to zero-emission aviation requires proving that new technologies are viable outside of controlled environments. Isha Moharir, Team Manager at AeroDelft, emphasized the importance of real-world testing in public remarks cited by industry reports:
“We want to demonstrate that flying on hydrogen works and that it’s safe in the air and at the airport… We are making absolutely no concessions on safety.”
Moharir further noted that testing at an operational commercial airport yields invaluable insights into the practical steps needed for sustainable aviation. Similarly, Daan van Dijk, an innovator at Rotterdam The Hague Airport, stated that these tests demonstrate tangible progress. According to research summaries, van Dijk highlighted that testing at an active airport is the exact method by which the aviation industry will learn to safely scale hydrogen-powered flight.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that while much of the aerospace sector’s attention has been focused on the in-flight capabilities of hydrogen aircraft, the logistical realities on the ground present an equally formidable challenge. The AeroDelft taxi tests at Rotterdam The Hague Airport serve as a crucial proof-of-concept for bridging the infrastructure gap. Traditional airports are optimized for kerosene; introducing hydrogen requires entirely new storage facilities, mobile refuelers, and emergency response protocols.
Furthermore, the broader hydrogen aviation race is accelerating. While battery-electric aviation propulsion shows promise for short-haul routes, the prohibitive weight of current battery technology limits its application for commercial passenger aviation. Liquid hydrogen presents a highly competitive alternative for longer ranges, provided that the cryogenic and logistical challenges, which initiatives like Project Phoenix are actively addressing, can be resolved at scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Project Phoenix?
Project Phoenix is an initiative launched in 2018 by AeroDelft, a student-led team from TU Delft, aimed at developing a manned hydrogen-electric aircraft by converting a Sling 4 airframe.
Why did AeroDelft use gaseous hydrogen instead of liquid hydrogen for the taxi tests?
Gaseous hydrogen was used because it is currently a more mature and developed technology, allowing the team to safely test the powertrain and airport integration. The ultimate goal remains transitioning to liquid hydrogen for greater flight endurance.
Where did the taxi tests take place?
The tests were conducted at the Fieldlab Next Aviation facility located at Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTHA) in the Netherlands.
Sources
- AeroDelft Official Press Release
- Supplementary Industry Research Report (Provided Data)
Photo Credit: AeroDelft
Sustainable Aviation
Loganair Signs 15-Year Sustainable Aviation Fuel Deal with ClimaHtech
Loganair secures a 15-year SAF supply agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight, starting deliveries by 2029 to support UK SAF mandate compliance.
This article is based on an official press release from Loganair.
Loganair, the United Kingdom’s largest regional Airlines, has officially entered into a 15-year SAF offtake agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight (CGF). According to the company’s press release, fuel deliveries under this new partnership are scheduled to commence by 2029. The agreement marks a significant step in the regional carrier’s strategy to secure a long-term fuel supply while navigating the evolving landscape of aviation emissions regulations.
The strategic partnership is designed to hedge against long-term fuel price volatility and mitigate compliance costs associated with the UK government’s SAF mandate. While the specific commercial value and volume metrics of the contract have not been publicly disclosed, the agreement insulates the airline from broader macroeconomic supply chain disruptions and high logistics costs.
A standout feature of this collaboration is CGF’s decentralized production model. Rather than relying on traditional, centralized mega-refineries, modular SAF production units will be deployed directly across Loganair’s primary operational network, which includes the Scottish Highlands, Islands, and other regional UK routes.
A Decentralized Approach to Sustainable Aviation Fuel
The partnership relies on highly innovative fuel production technology. ClimaHtech Green Flight, a wholly owned subsidiary of Belfast-based clean energy engineering company CATAGEN, will supply Loganair with fuel produced via two advanced pathways: BioSAF (Power-Biomass-to-Liquid) and eSAF (Power-to-Liquid).
According to the provided technical details, CGF utilizes patented modular reactor technology, specifically the BIOHGEN and E-FUEL GEN systems developed by CATAGEN. This electrically driven platform can operate alongside intermittent renewable power assets and utilize waste biomass feedstocks. Each modular unit is capable of producing 1 million liters of SAF per year, delivering an estimated 90% reduction in well-to-wing carbon emissions compared to conventional fossil jet fuel.
Overcoming Regional Logistics Challenges
As a regional carrier, Loganair operates numerous routes that serve as essential lifelines for remote communities rather than luxury travel destinations. Decarbonizing these short-haul flights presents unique logistical challenges. By deploying production infrastructure close to the point of consumption across Northern Ireland and Scotland, the decentralized model eliminates the need to ship fuel from a distant central hub, thereby reducing both transportation costs and associated carbon emissions.
Regulatory Pressures and Industry Context
The agreement is heavily driven by the current regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom. The UK SAF mandate officially entered into force on January 1, 2025. The mandate requires jet fuel suppliers to blend alternative aviation fuel into conventional aviation fuel at increasing concentrations. The requirement started at 2% in 2025, will rise to 10% by 2030, and is set to reach 22% by 2040. Securing a 15-year supply helps Loganair ensure compliance and avoid potential future market shortages.
ClimaHtech Green Flight, launched in September 2025 at CATAGEN’s Titanic Quarter Campus in Belfast, was created to disrupt the SAF market using off-grid renewable and low-carbon electricity sources. The company has already secured strategic partnerships and offtake agreements with other major industry players, including Ryanair and Shell Aviation Ireland Limited.
Executive Perspectives
Company leadership emphasized the importance of localizing fuel production to support regional connectivity.
“As the UK’s largest regional airline, Loganair plays a vital role in connecting communities across the UK, particularly in areas where aviation is a lifeline rather than a luxury. Decarbonising regional aviation is therefore both a responsibility and a practical challenge. This long-term agreement with ClimaHtech Green Flight is an important step in securing access to Sustainable Aviation Fuel that is produced closer to where we operate, supports UK supply chains, and reflects our commitment to lower our carbon footprint.”
“This offtake agreement with Loganair demonstrates strong airline confidence in our SAF pathways and our ambition to build a distributed, regional SAF production model.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this agreement as a critical indicator of how regional airlines are adapting to stringent environmental mandates. A major hurdle for SAF adoption globally has been the cost and carbon footprint of transporting the fuel from centralized refineries to regional airports. CGF’s decentralized model could serve as a blueprint for regional airlines worldwide, solving the logistics bottleneck that often plagues smaller carriers.
Furthermore, by utilizing local waste biomass and renewable energy, the UK aviation sector can reduce its reliance on imported fuels. This aligns with broader national energy security goals. With the UK SAF mandate now active, airlines are in a race to secure affordable SAF. Early movers like Loganair are locking in long-term Contracts to avoid the anticipated price spikes as the mandate percentages increase toward 2030.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will Loganair begin receiving SAF under this agreement?
Fuel Deliveries from ClimaHtech Green Flight are scheduled to commence by 2029.
How much SAF can the modular units produce?
Each modular unit from CGF is capable of producing 1 million liters of SAF per year.
What are the UK SAF mandate requirements?
The mandate requires a 2% SAF blend starting in 2025, increasing to 10% by 2030, and reaching 22% by 2040.
Sources
Photo Credit: Loganair
Sustainable Aviation
easyJet and Schiphol Deploy Electric TaxiBot for Airbus A320neo
easyJet and Amsterdam Schiphol introduce electric TaxiBot technology for Airbus A320neo, reducing fuel use and emissions during taxiing.
On May 26, 2026, easyJet and Amsterdam Airport Schiphol officially announced the deployment of fully electric “TaxiBot” technology for Airbus A320neo passenger aircraft. According to the official press release, this initiative allows aircraft to taxi between the gate and the runway without engaging their main jet engines, relying instead on a semi-robotic electric towing vehicle.
The deployment marks a significant milestone for European aviation, as Schiphol becomes the first European airport to introduce the fully electric GEN 2 TaxiBot specifically for Airbus passenger operations. We note that this rollout follows a successful trial in March 2026 and a first commercial passenger flight on April 30, 2026.
By utilizing this technology, easyJet estimates immediate environmental benefits, including the saving of 95 kilograms of aviation fuel and the prevention of 299 kilograms of COâ‚‚ emissions per flight. The project represents a multi-year collaboration involving easyJet, Schiphol Airport, Menzies Aviation, Airbus, and Israeli technology firm Smart Airport Systems (SAS).
The Mechanics of Engine-Free Taxiing
How the GEN 2 TaxiBot Operates
At expansive airports like Schiphol, taxiing to distant runways such as the Polderbaan can take upwards of 20 minutes, traditionally burning thousands of pounds of jet fuel before takeoff. The press release details that the TaxiBot addresses this inefficiency by functioning as a semi-robotic, towbarless electric tractor. It lifts the aircraft’s nose wheel onto a rotating platform and remains attached all the way to the runway threshold, unlike standard pushback tugs that disconnect near the terminal gate.
During the taxi phase, the pilot remains in full control, steering the TaxiBot directly from the cockpit using the standard tiller. The aircraft’s main engines remain switched off, relying solely on the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to power onboard electrical systems. The main engines are only started just before takeoff.
According to the provided operational details, the electric tug can tow aircraft at speeds up to 23 knots (approximately 42 km/h). Once uncoupled at the runway, a ground operator sitting inside the TaxiBot drives the vehicle back to the terminal for the next flight. Currently, four easyJet Airbus A320neo aircraft are permanently equipped with this system.
Environmental and Workplace Benefits
Cutting Carbon and Local Pollutants
The transition to electric taxiing offers substantial environmental advantages. Based on easyJet’s data, the TaxiBot saves an average of 95 kg of fuel and 299 kg of COâ‚‚ per flight. Furthermore, Schiphol projects that widespread deployment on long taxi routes could reduce fuel consumption during taxiing by up to 65%.
Beyond carbon reduction, the technology significantly lowers emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ultrafine particles. This creates a healthier working environment for ground staff by drastically cutting localized noise and air pollution on the apron. Reduced engine usage on the ground may also lower long-term aircraft maintenance requirements.
“TaxiBot is another important step in our mission to operate as efficiently as possible. This technology delivers immediate reductions in fuel consumption, carbon emissions and noise, while supporting more efficient ground operations at one of Europe’s busiest airports,” stated David Morgan, Chief Operating Officer at easyJet, in the press release.
Esmé Valk, Chief People & Transformation Officer at Royal Schiphol Group, added: “By deploying the TaxiBot, we’re taking another practical step towards reduced emissions and noise on the apron. This is how we’re creating a healthier and cleaner workplace, and an ever more sustainable and modern airport that is ready for the future.”
Collaborative Deployment and Future Outlook
Scaling Up for 2030
The initiative is backed by the SESAR HERON project, which receives funding from the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA) and the SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. Menzies Aviation also played a crucial role in the ground logistics. In the company statement, Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson, EVP Europe at Menzies Aviation, noted that the introduction demonstrates what can be achieved when technology and industry collaboration come together.
Looking ahead, the press release outlines Schiphol’s ambitious target to achieve fully sustainable, emissions-free taxiing operations by 2030. While Schiphol currently operates the only fully electric TaxiBot globally, the airport expects to introduce three additional electric units later in 2026. Efforts are also underway to certify the technology for other aircraft types, including KLM Cityhopper’s Embraer fleet and Transavia’s Boeing 737s.
AirPro News analysis
We view the deployment of the GEN 2 TaxiBot at Schiphol as a highly practical, near-term measure for the aviation sector’s net-zero journey. While SAF and hydrogen propulsion remain long-term goals with significant supply and technological hurdles, ground-based emissions reductions rely on existing, proven technology. If Schiphol’s rollout proves successful at scale, semi-automated, engine-free taxiing could rapidly become a standard feature at major global hubs within the next decade, particularly at airports facing strict local noise and emissions regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a TaxiBot?
A TaxiBot is a semi-robotic, towbarless electric tractor that lifts an aircraft’s nose wheel and tows it from the gate to the runway. It allows the aircraft to keep its main engines turned off during the taxi phase, saving fuel and reducing emissions.
How much fuel does the TaxiBot save?
According to easyJet, the technology saves an estimated 95 kg of aviation fuel and prevents 299 kg of COâ‚‚ emissions per flight.
Who controls the aircraft during towing?
The pilot remains in full control of the aircraft, steering the TaxiBot directly from the cockpit using the standard tiller.
Are other airlines using this technology at Schiphol?
Currently, the fully electric GEN 2 TaxiBot is deployed for easyJet’s Airbus A320neo fleet. However, Schiphol is working on certifying the technology for KLM Cityhopper’s Embraer fleet and Transavia’s Boeing 737s.
Sources
Photo Credit: easyJet
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