New “Book and Claim” Model Brings Sustainable Fuel to Remote Air Ambulances

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.

Overcoming the “Last Mile” Logistics Challenge

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.”

The Role of Airbus and Certification

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.

AirPro News Analysis: The Regulatory Gap

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.

A Model for Future Operations

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

This article is based on an official press release from Eve Air Mobility / Embraer and supporting market data.

Eve Air Mobility Strengthens Financial Runway with B3 Listing and $40 Million BNDES Loan

Eve Air Mobility (“Eve”), the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) subsidiary of aerospace manufacturer Embraer, has executed a significant dual-strategy milestone to fortify its position in the urban air mobility sector. On December 9, 2025, the company celebrated its official listing on the Brazilian stock exchange (B3) while simultaneously announcing a fresh Investments package worth approximately $40 million (R$200 million) from Brazil’s National Development Bank (BNDES).

The new capital injection, sourced primarily from the BNDES Climate Fund, is earmarked for the critical development phases of Eve’s eVTOL program. According to the company’s announcement, these funds will support the integration of electric motors for the program’s first “certification-conforming” prototype and fund the rigorous test campaigns required by Brazil’s Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC). This latest development underscores the Brazilian government’s continued support for Eve as a strategic national asset in the global aerospace industry.

Strategic Financing via BNDES Climate Fund

The financing agreement, valued at R$200 million, is structured not as a standard commercial loan but as a strategic development credit designed to foster Green-Technology within Brazil. The funding is divided into two specific sub-credits, providing Eve with a 15-year maturity term that offers a long-term financial runway.

According to details released regarding the transaction, the financing is split as follows:

• Sub-credit A (~$32 million): Sourced from the Fundo Clima (Climate Fund) under the “Green Industry” modality. This capital is specifically allocated for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable urban development.
• Sub-credit B (~$8 million): Sourced from the FINEM Innovation Line, utilizing BNDES resources raised in foreign currency to support technological innovation.

This latest infusion brings the total support from BNDES to Eve to over $240 million since 2022. The favorable terms and long maturity period reflect the state’s commitment to ensuring Eve remains competitive against well-capitalized international rivals.

Dual Listing on the B3 Exchange

Coinciding with the funding announcement, Eve formally debuted on the B3, Brazil’s primary stock exchange, under the ticker symbol EVEB31. While the company remains legally headquartered in the United States with its primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: EVEX), the dual listing allows Eve to tap into a broader pool of capital.

The move enables Brazilian institutional and retail investors, who may face barriers trading on the NYSE, to invest directly in the company. This strategy reinforces Eve’s identity as a Brazilian innovator leveraging Embraer’s industrial heritage while maintaining global market access.

Program Status and Industrialization

Eve continues to leverage its relationship with Embraer, the world’s third-largest aircraft manufacturer, to advance its industrial capabilities. The company is currently finalizing its first full-scale prototype and establishing a production facility in Taubaté, São Paulo. The facility is expected to utilize Embraer’s existing supply chain ecosystem to streamline Manufacturing.

According to company data, Eve currently holds one of the industry’s largest order backlogs, comprising approximately 2,800 Letters of Intent (LOIs) valued at roughly $14 billion. The company is targeting an Entry into Service (EIS) date of 2027.

AirPro News Analysis

The global eVTOL market is currently undergoing a sharp bifurcation, separating well-capitalized leaders from struggling independent Startups. Eve’s recent moves highlight the effectiveness of its “capital-light” strategy, which relies on Embraer for R&D and infrastructure rather than building everything from scratch.

While competitors like Joby Aviation have raised massive sums, such as their recent $500 million investment from Toyota, to fund vertical integration, Eve’s $40 million loan carries significant weight due to its efficiency. By utilizing Embraer’s existing testing grounds and engineering workforce, every dollar of debt goes further for Eve than for a startup like Lilium, which recently faced insolvency.

Furthermore, the BNDES loan signals “sovereign backing.” In an industry fraught with regulatory and certification risks, the Brazilian government’s financial stake in Eve serves as a confidence signal to private investors. It suggests that Brazil views the success of Eve not just as a corporate goal, but as a matter of national industrial strategy, similar to how the U.S. and China support their respective aerospace champions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Eve Air Mobility’s stock tickers?
Eve is listed on the NYSE under the ticker EVEX and now on the Brazilian B3 exchange under the ticker EVEB31.

What is the value of the new BNDES financing?
The financing package is worth approximately R$200 million, or roughly $40 million USD.

When is Eve’s aircraft expected to enter service?
Eve is targeting an Entry into Service (EIS) date of 2027.

What is the BNDES Climate Fund?
The Fundo Clima is a Brazilian government financing program dedicated to projects that mitigate climate change. Eve’s participation falls under the “Green Industry” modality, supporting the development of zero-emission aviation technology.

Sources: Eve Air Mobility / Embraer Press Release, BNDES Official Data

This article is based on an official press release from Delta Air Lines and includes additional industry context.

Delta Air Lines Reports 2025 Sustainability Milestones: Fleet Upgrades and Operational Efficiency

Delta Airlines has released its 2025 sustainability progress report, detailing significant advancements in its “Keep Climbing” strategy. According to the airline, the focus for the year remained on immediate operational efficiencies and long-term technological investments aimed at decarbonization. The carrier reported meeting critical fuel-saving targets while laying the groundwork for future fleet innovations.

In an official statement, Delta highlighted progress across three strategic pillars: fleet modernization, operational changes, and the scaling of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). The airline confirmed it achieved a near-term goal of 1% fuel burn savings, equating to approximately 55 million gallons of fuel saved throughout the year. These efforts are part of a broader push to mitigate the environmental impact of aviation while managing the economic realities of fuel costs.

Pillar 1: Fleet Modernization and Future Tech

A central component of Delta’s strategy involves replacing older, less efficient jets with next-generation Commercial-Aircraft. The airline reported taking Delivery of over 35 new aircraft in 2025, a move that improved the average fuel efficiency of its fleet by approximately 25% compared to the retired models they replaced.

Next-Generation Orders

Looking ahead, Delta has secured orders for 20 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with deliveries expected to commence in 2026. According to manufacturer specifications cited in the release, these widebody jets are 20-25% more fuel-efficient per seat mile than the Boeing 767 and 777 aircraft they are intended to replace.

Investments in Radical Design

Beyond traditional tube-and-wing aircraft, Delta is investing in revolutionary airframe concepts. The airline is a key partner for JetZero, a company developing a “blended wing body” aircraft. Independent analysis suggests this design could reduce fuel burn by up to 50% by generating lift across the entire airframe, though entry into service is projected for 2030 or later.

Additionally, Delta has partnered with Dutch startup Maeve Aerospace to develop the M80 hybrid-electric regional aircraft. This concept promises 40% higher fuel efficiency than current regional jets, with a potential timeline for entry around 2032.

Pillar 2: Operational Efficiency

While fleet renewal offers long-term gains, Delta’s “Carbon Council”, a cross-divisional team, focused on immediate tactical changes to reduce fuel consumption in 2025. These measures allowed the airline to meet its goal of saving over 55 million gallons of fuel.

Key operational initiatives included:

• APU Reduction: Decreasing the use of Auxiliary Power Units on the ground in favor of electric ground power.
• Engine Foam Wash: Implementing a new cleaning technique that removes debris more effectively than water, thereby improving thermal efficiency.
• Drag Reduction: Installing enhanced winglets and implementing reduced-flaps landings on the Boeing 717 fleet to lower drag and noise.

AirPro News Analysis: The Financial Impact

These efficiency gains have direct financial implications. Based on estimated jet fuel prices of $2.50 to $2.70 per gallon, the 55 million gallons saved in 2025 translates to roughly $130 million to $150 million in cost savings. This operational discipline likely contributed to the airline’s strong financial performance, which allowed for a $1.4 billion profit-sharing payout to employees in February 2025.

Pillar 3: Scaling Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)

Delta continues to aggressively scale its use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), despite facing industry-wide supply constraints. The airline reported it was on track to increase SAF usage by 50% in 2025 compared to 2024 levels, moving from approximately 13 million to 20 million gallons.

The PDX Milestone

A significant achievement in 2025 was the first commercial-scale SAF uplift at Portland International Airport (PDX). In partnership with Shell Aviation and Montana Renewables, this project demonstrated that SAF can be “dropped in” to existing airport infrastructure, such as pipelines and storage tanks, without the need for specialized modifications.

“This project proved that SAF can be dropped into existing airport fuel infrastructure without requiring specialized modifications, a critical step for mass adoption.”

, Industry analysis regarding the PDX milestone

Industry Context and Competitive Landscape

While Delta is making strides, it operates in a highly competitive environment regarding fuel efficiency. Data from analytics firms like Cirium indicates that ultra-low-cost carriers such as Frontier and Spirit often lead the U.S. market in fuel efficiency per seat mile, largely due to their high-density seating configurations.

Among legacy carriers, Southwest Airlines typically leads in efficiency metrics, with Delta, United, and American closely grouped. However, Delta often outperforms peers on specific international routes due to its investment in newer widebody aircraft like the A350 and A330neo.

Challenges to Scaling

Despite the progress, the “Green Premium” remains a hurdle. SAF currently costs two to five times more than conventional jet fuel, and global production accounts for less than 0.5% of total demand. Delta’s goal of 10% SAF usage by 2030 is ambitious and will require continued government support, such as the incentives provided by the Minnesota SAF Hub, to become a reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the “Blended Wing Body” aircraft Delta is investing in?

The Blended Wing Body is a design by JetZero where the aircraft fuselage and wings are integrated, generating lift across the entire body. It aims to reduce fuel consumption by 50% compared to traditional aircraft.

How much fuel did Delta save in 2025?

Delta reported saving approximately 55 million gallons of fuel in 2025 through operational efficiencies, meeting its 1% savings goal.

What is the significance of the PDX SAF project?

The project at Portland International Airport demonstrated that Sustainable Aviation Fuel can be used with existing airport pipelines and storage, removing the need for expensive new infrastructure to handle the fuel.

Sources

• Delta News Hub
• Cirium
• Bureau of Transportation Statistics