This article is based on an official press release from FedEx.

FedEx Expands Sustainable Aviation Fuel Program to DFW and JFK Airports

FedEx has officially expanded its SAF program to include Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The logistics giant announced the move on January 29, 2026, marking a significant step in its “Priority Earth” sustainability roadmap. With these additions, FedEx now utilizes SAF at five airports across the United States.

According to the company’s announcement, the expansion is supported by World Fuel Services (WFS), which manages the supply chain and delivery of the fuel. The initiative positions FedEx as the first airline, cargo or passenger, to purchase SAF for regular commercial operations at DFW, a major global logistics hub.

The agreement covers the purchase of approximately 2 million gallons of “neat” (unblended) SAF for these two locations. When combined with agreements for other hubs, FedEx has secured a total of 5 million gallons of neat SAF for delivery throughout 2025.

Operational Details and Supply Chain

While the purchasing agreements are calculated in gallons of “neat” SAF, the fuel actually delivered to aircraft is a blend. Safety regulations currently prohibit the use of 100% SAF in commercial aircraft engines. Consequently, the fuel supplied to FedEx at DFW and JFK is a mixture containing a minimum of 30% neat SAF blended with conventional Jet A fuel.

World Fuel Services facilitates this supply, typically sourcing the renewable component from Valero’s Diamond Green Diesel (DGD) joint venture. The SAF is produced via the HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) pathway, utilizing waste-based feedstocks such as used cooking oil, animal tallow, and distiller’s corn oil. This production method allows for a lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction of up to 80% compared to standard petroleum-based jet fuel.

In a statement regarding the logistical achievement, Bradley Hurwitz, Senior Vice President of Supply & Trading at World Fuel Services, noted:

“FedEx’s purchase at DFW and JFK demonstrates how our aviation fuel distribution platform enables carriers to access lower-carbon fuel options with a robust supply chain designed for flexibility and scale.”

Strategic Context: The “Priority Earth” Goal

This expansion is part of FedEx’s broader strategy to achieve carbon-neutral global operations by 2040. The company has set an interim target to source 30% of its total jet fuel from alternative fuels by 2030. The addition of DFW and JFK complements existing SAF programs at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Miami International Airport (MIA).

Karen Blanks Ellis, Chief Sustainability Officer at FedEx, emphasized the progress made over the last year:

“Expanding SAF use by FedEx to include our operations at DFW and JFK caps off a successful year of SAF deployments coast-to-coast. While we know there remains work ahead to procure more SAF… we are proud of our steps forward.”

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of SAF at Dallas-Fort Worth is particularly notable. While pilot programs have existed at DFW since 2021, they were largely limited to business aviation. FedEx’s commitment marks the first regular commercial adoption at the airport, signaling a shift from experimental to operational use in the cargo sector.

However, the industry faces significant headwinds. SAF currently trades at a premium of two to five times the price of conventional jet fuel. Furthermore, global production remains less than 1% of total jet fuel demand. While the “book and claim” system and government incentives like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act help bridge the cost gap, the physical availability of SAF remains the primary bottleneck for large-scale adoption.

By securing 5 million gallons of neat SAF for 2025, FedEx is signaling consistent demand to producers, which is essential for stimulating the investment required to increase production capacity.

Stakeholder Commentary

Airport officials have welcomed the move as a validation of existing infrastructure capabilities. Because the blended fuel is a “drop-in” solution, it requires no modifications to airport storage tanks or hydration systems.

Robert Horton, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at DFW Airport, stated:

“FedEx’s SAF purchase reflects how airlines, airports, and fuel providers work together within existing airport infrastructure to support the development of more sustainable aviation operations.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is “Neat” SAF?

“Neat” SAF refers to the pure, unblended sustainable fuel. It is not used in aircraft in this form due to safety regulations. Instead, it is blended with conventional jet fuel before delivery. Purchasing agreements often cite “neat” volumes to track the exact amount of renewable content purchased.

Where does FedEx use SAF?

As of early 2026, FedEx utilizes SAF at five U.S. airports: Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), John F. Kennedy (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and Miami (MIA).

What is the emission benefit?

The specific SAF used in this agreement, produced via the HEFA pathway, can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.

Sources

• FedEx Newsroom
• World Fuel Services

This article is based on an official press release from Helix.

Helix Secures AS9100 Certification, Targeting Independent Aerospace Propulsion Approval

Helix, the UK-based manufacturer of high-performance electric motors and inverters, officially announced on January 29, 2026, that it has received AS9100 certification for its Quality Management System (QMS). This certification marks a pivotal transition for the Milton Keynes-based company, trading name of Integral Powertrain Ltd, as it moves to solidify its standing as a Tier 1 supplier in the Aerospace sector.

The AS9100 standard is the internationally recognized benchmark for quality management in the aviation, space, and defense industries. By achieving this status, Helix validates that its manufacturing processes meet the stringent safety, reliability, and traceability requirements necessary for flight-critical components. According to the company’s announcement, this achievement is not merely a compliance milestone but a strategic prerequisite for its long-term roadmap toward “Part 21” approval.

Strategic Roadmap: The Path to Part 21

While AS9100 certification allows Helix to supply flight-ready hardware, the company has identified this as a foundational step toward a broader goal: Part 21 design organization approval. Currently, Helix supplies propulsion systems to various aerospace clients, including satellite launch providers, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) developers, and the supersonic jet engine manufacturer Astro Mechanica.

Under current regulations, Helix’s customers often bear the burden of certifying the airworthiness of the integrated propulsion systems. However, the company states that achieving Part 21 approval would fundamentally change this dynamic. It would empower Helix to independently certify its own propulsion systems, thereby offering “certified systems” to the market and significantly reducing the regulatory workload for their partners.

Derek Jordanou-Bailey, Chief Engineer for Aerospace at Helix, emphasized the long-term implications of this certification in a statement:

“This is an exciting step for Helix. AS9100 certification represents a commitment to developing our relationship and offering for the aerospace industry. Alongside improving our efficiency and quality management processes, this certification provides the foundation for developing our policies and management systems towards regulatory approval, which are essential for current and future programmes as we move towards flight certification with our customers and partners across aerospace.”

Cross-Sector Operational Impact

Although the certification is specific to aerospace, Helix reports that the operational changes required to meet the standard have been applied across its entire business structure. The company, which also services the high-performance automotive, marine, and defense sectors, noted that the rigorous “cleanliness processes” and “critical build process” approvals mandated by AS9100 are now standard practice for all its manufacturing lines.

This integration ensures that the high-power-density electric motors Helix produces for hypercars and defense applications benefit from the same risk management and traceability protocols as their aviation counterparts. The company recently expanded into the UK defense sector in late 2025, and this certification is expected to bolster its credibility in that highly regulated market as well.

AirPro News Analysis

The awarding of AS9100 to Helix highlights a significant trend in the electrification of aviation: the maturation of automotive-origin technology into aerospace-grade hardware. Helix, originally known for its dominance in high-end automotive powertrains, is effectively bridging the gap between “automotive speed” and “aerospace safety.”

For OEMs in the eVTOL and supersonic sectors, the availability of a supplier that is working toward Part 21 approval is a major asset. It suggests a future supply chain where propulsion units come pre-certified, potentially accelerating the timeline for next-generation aircraft to reach commercial viability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AS9100 certification?
AS9100 is a widely adopted standardized quality management system for the aerospace industry. It builds upon ISO 9001 standards but adds approximately 100 additional requirements focused on safety, reliability, and product conformity.

Who is Helix?
Helix is the trading name of Integral Powertrain Ltd, a UK-based engineering firm specializing in power-dense electric motors and inverters for automotive, aerospace, marine, and defense sectors.

What is Part 21 approval?
Part 21 refers to regulatory approval that allows a design organization to certify that its products meet airworthiness requirements. Helix aims to achieve this to independently certify its propulsion systems.

Sources

• Helix Press Release

Joby Aviation Initiates $1 Billion Capital Raise to Secure Commercial Launch Runway

Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY), a leader in the development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced on January 28, 2026, that it has launched a concurrent offering of convertible senior notes and common stock. The company aims to raise approximately $1 billion in aggregate gross proceeds to fund its final push toward Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification and the launch of commercial passenger operations.

According to the company’s announcement, the capital raise is structured as two separate but concurrent public offerings: the issuance of Convertible Senior Notes due 2032 and a direct sale of Common Stock. The move comes as Joby prepares for a targeted commercial entry in 2026, including operations in Dubai and other key markets.

Following the announcement, market data indicates that shares of Joby Aviation fell approximately 8–11% in after-hours trading on January 28. This reaction reflects typical investor sentiment regarding share dilution, despite the strategic necessity of the capital injection.

Breakdown of the Financial Offerings

The proposed offering is complex, involving both debt and equity instruments designed to maximize capital while attempting to manage dilution for existing shareholders. The offerings are being managed by underwriters including Morgan Stanley and Allen & Company LLC.

Convertible Senior Notes and Common Stock

Joby is offering debt securities in the form of Convertible Senior Notes that mature in 2032. These notes offer investors the ability to convert their debt into stock at a later date, providing potential upside if the company’s value increases. Concurrently, the company is selling shares of common stock directly to the public.

The “Delta Offering” and Capped Calls

To facilitate the transaction, the deal includes specific financial mechanisms aimed at hedging risk. As detailed in the offering context, a “Delta Offering” allows the banking partners to borrow and sell Joby shares. This activity facilitates hedging for investors buying the convertible notes but creates immediate selling pressure on the stock.

Additionally, Joby intends to use a portion of the proceeds to fund “capped call transactions.” These serve as an insurance policy against dilution. If Joby’s stock price rises significantly in the future, these capped calls reduce the number of new shares the company must issue to note holders upon conversion, thereby protecting the ownership percentage of current shareholders.

Strategic Rationale and Use of Proceeds

In its official statement, Joby Aviation outlined specific uses for the $1 billion war chest. The primary focus is bridging the gap between the capital-intensive development phase and revenue-generating commercial operations.

“Joby intends to use the net proceeds from the offerings… to fund its certification and manufacturing efforts, prepare for commercial operations, and for general corporate purposes.”

, Joby Aviation Press Release

Key allocation areas include:

• FAA Certification: Completing the final stages of Type Certification (Stage 4 of 5).
• Manufacturing Expansion: Scaling production facilities in Ohio and California to meet fleet demands.
• Commercial Launch: Building infrastructure and training pilots for the planned 2026 launch, including the exclusive six-year operating agreement in Dubai.

AirPro News Analysis: The Cost of Certification

While a $1 billion raise is substantial, it aligns with the immense costs associated with aerospace development. As of the third quarter of 2025, Joby reported a net loss of approximately $401 million for the quarter alone. Although the company projected liquidity of roughly $1.4 billion by the end of 2025, bolstered by a previous raise in October, the burn rate required to achieve mass manufacturing and certification remains high.

We assess that this capital raise is a defensive measure to ensure the company does not face a liquidity crunch right as it enters its most critical operational phase. By securing funds now, Joby avoids the risk of needing to raise capital later under potentially less favorable market conditions.

Partnerships and Market Position

The capital raise is supported by a backdrop of strong strategic partnerships. Toyota Motor Corporation remains Joby’s largest external shareholder and a critical industrial partner. As of May 2025, Toyota had committed a total of $894 million to Joby, assisting directly with manufacturing processes and quality control.

Furthermore, Joby’s acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s urban air mobility division in late 2025 has provided the company with immediate revenue streams and access to passenger terminals in key markets like New York and Europe. Despite these revenue sources, the company remains in a pre-profit growth phase, making external capital vital for survival.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Joby’s stock price drop after the announcement?
The stock dropped 8–11% in after-hours trading due to “dilution risk.” When a company issues new stock, the value of the company is spread across more shares, which can lower the price of individual existing shares. Additionally, the “Delta Offering” creates immediate selling pressure from hedging activities.

What is a Convertible Senior Note?
It is a type of debt security that pays interest (or has a zero coupon) and can be converted into a predetermined number of common stock shares or cash. It allows companies to borrow money at lower interest rates than traditional loans in exchange for giving lenders potential equity upside.

When will Joby Aviation begin commercial flights?
Joby is targeting 2026 for its initial commercial passenger operations, with Dubai expected to be one of the first launch markets.

Sources

• Joby Aviation Investor Relations
• SEC Filings