This article is based on an official press release from Collins Aerospace.

Collins Aerospace Named 2026 Crystal Cabin Award Finalist for SkyNook Concept

On February 17, 2026, Collins Aerospace, a business of RTX, announced that its new cabin concept, the “SkyNook” suite, has been named a finalist for the 2026 Crystal Cabin Awards. Competing in the “Passenger Comfort” category, the product is designed to monetize underutilized space on widebody Commercial-Aircraft while providing enhanced amenities for families, pet owners, and travelers with sensory sensitivities.

The winners of the prestigious awards are scheduled to be announced on April 14, 2026, at the Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. According to the company’s announcement, the SkyNook aims to solve a longstanding engineering challenge regarding the tapering fuselage at the rear of aircraft.

Transforming the Aft Cabin “Dead Zone”

The primary engineering innovation behind the SkyNook is its placement. In widebody aircraft, the fuselage narrows toward the tail, often making standard seat rows impossible to install efficiently. This creates gaps between seats and the sidewall, historically referred to as “dead space” or used merely for storage.

Collins Aerospace has developed SkyNook to convert this area into a revenue-generating product. By utilizing this specific footprint, Airlines can offer a semi-private retreat without removing existing revenue seats. In their official statement, the company described the core function of the suite:

“The SkyNook suite transforms unused space into a flexible, semi-private retreat at the aft of a widebody aircraft.”

, Collins Aerospace Press Release

Key Features and Target Demographics

According to the product details released by Collins Aerospace, the suite is modular and includes specific features designed to accommodate passengers who often struggle in standard economy seating. The suite features a convertible console capable of securing various items that are typically difficult to manage in a standard row.

The Manufacturers highlights that the console is explicitly designed to hold:

• Car seats for infants and toddlers.
• Bassinets.
• Pet carriers.
• Service animals.

Additionally, the suite includes a deployable privacy divider. This barrier visually separates the occupants from the aisle, providing a shield against the high foot traffic often found near rear lavatories and galleys. This feature is marketed not only for privacy but also as a solution for neurodivergent passengers or those with sensory sensitivities who require a “calm zone” dampened from cabin noise and visual overstimulation.

Industry Context: The 2026 Crystal Cabin Awards

The Crystal Cabin Awards are widely regarded as the leading international accolade for excellence in aircraft interior innovation. SkyNook’s nomination in the “Passenger Comfort” category places it alongside other major industry players.

According to award nomination details, SkyNook is competing against distinct concepts that highlight different strategies for cabin utilization:

• Airbus A350 Master Suite: A First Class-focused module featuring a double bed and private lavatory.
• BMW Designworks SPACEFRAME: A sustainable, lightweight seating concept for the Economy cabin.

While competitors are refining existing class structures, either ultra-luxury or sustainable economy, Collins Aerospace is attempting to create a new ancillary revenue stream by capitalizing on previously wasted floor space.

AirPro News Analysis

The Push for Inclusive Revenue Generation

The nomination of the SkyNook highlights two converging trends in the 2026 Market-Analysis: the aggressive pursuit of ancillary revenue and the demand for inclusive design. Airlines are under immense pressure to maximize yield per square inch of the cabin. Historically, the aft taper has been a liability; Collins Aerospace is proposing a solution that turns this liability into a premium “economy-plus” product.

Furthermore, the explicit inclusion of design elements for service animals and sensory-sensitive travelers suggests a shift in how manufacturers view “comfort.” It is no longer just about legroom; it is about accessibility. By creating a dedicated space for these demographics, airlines can potentially reduce friction in the boarding process and improve the travel experience for passengers with diverse needs, all while charging a premium for a space that was previously empty.

Sources

Sources: Collins Aerospace (RTX)

This article is based on an official press release from SkyNRG and accompanying project documentation.

SkyNRG Reaches Financial Close on Europe’s First Standalone Greenfield SAF Plant

SkyNRG has officially reached financial close for DSL-01, its first dedicated commercial-scale Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production facility. Located in Delfzijl, Netherlands, the project marks a significant milestone in the European aviation sector’s transition to renewable energy. According to the company’s announcement, construction on the facility has already commenced, with full operations targeted for mid-2028.

The DSL-01 project is distinguished as Europe’s first standalone greenfield SAF plant, meaning it is being built from the ground up rather than as an expansion of an existing fossil fuel refinery. Once operational, the facility is projected to produce 100,000 tonnes of SAF annually, alongside 35,000 tonnes of by-products including bio-propane and naphtha.

Maarten van Dijk, CEO and Co-Founder of SkyNRG, emphasized the strategic importance of this development in a statement regarding the launch:

“Reaching this important milestone… marks an important step in our transition to becoming an owner and operator of SAF production capacity. This milestone demonstrates growing market confidence in scalable SAF production and provides a model for future sustainable fuel projects globally.”

Project Specifications and Technology

The facility will utilize Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ technology, operating on the Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) pathway. SkyNRG has stated that the plant will process waste oils and fats,predominantly sourced from regional industries,and will explicitly exclude virgin vegetable oils such as palm or soy to avoid competition with food supplies. The project aims to deliver a lifecycle CO2 emissions reduction of more than 85% compared to fossil jet fuel.

Technip Energies has been awarded the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the site. While specific contract values are often confidential, industry reports estimate the value between €500 million and €1 billion. The construction phase is expected to generate hundreds of jobs in the Groningen Seaports region, contributing to the area’s developing green industrial cluster.

Financial Structure and Investment Partners

A critical aspect of the DSL-01 project is its financial structure. It is the first commercial-scale SAF plant to secure non-recourse project financing, a move that signals increasing maturity in the SAF market. Under this structure, lenders are repaid based on the project’s future cash flow rather than the general assets of the parent company.

The investment consortium includes:

• APG: Investing up to €250 million on behalf of the Dutch pension fund ABP.
• Macquarie Asset Management: Contributing approximately €50 million, adding to its previous investments in SkyNRG.
• Debt Syndicate: A consortium of major banks including ABN AMRO, BNP Paribas, Rabobank, Crédit Agricole, and Deutsche Bank.

Arjan Reinders, Head of Infrastructure Europe at APG, noted the alignment of this investment with broader sustainability goals:

“SkyNRG represents the first investment in the SAF sector on behalf of our client [ABP], which is closely aligned with our ambition to create impact by investing at the forefront in energy transition assets.”

Strategic Partnerships and Offtake Agreements

To ensure the commercial viability of the plant, SkyNRG has secured long-term offtake agreements. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has committed to purchasing 75,000 tonnes of SAF annually for a period of 10 years. This volume represents three-quarters of the plant’s total SAF output and is essential for KLM to meet upcoming EU mandates under the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation.

Additionally, SHV Energy has agreed to purchase the bioLPG (bio-propane) by-products produced by the facility. Shell, a strategic partner of SkyNRG since 2019, retains an option to purchase SAF from the plant and continues to provide technical and commercial expertise.

AirPro News Analysis

The successful financial close of DSL-01 represents a pivotal moment for the SAF industry, specifically regarding “bankability.” Historically, SAF projects have struggled to attract traditional project finance due to perceived technology and market risks. The willingness of a major banking syndicate to provide non-recourse debt suggests that financial institutions now view HEFA-based SAF production as a stable asset class.

Furthermore, the timing of this project aligns directly with the European Union’s “Fit for 55” regulatory package. With the ReFuelEU Aviation Regulation mandating a 2% SAF blend by 2025 and rising to 6% by 2030, the DSL-01 facility will come online just as demand pressures intensify. Unlike competitors expanding existing refineries, SkyNRG’s success with a standalone greenfield site provides a “proof of concept” that could accelerate the development of similar independent facilities globally, such as their planned projects in the United States and Sweden.

Sources:

• SkyNRG Press Release
• Technip Energies Announcement
• APG Investment Statement

This article is based on an official press release from Electra Aero.

Electra Aero Secures Critical Patents for Hybrid-Electric eSTOL Propulsion

Electra Aero (Electra) has announced the granting of three new United States patents that protect the core control and safety architectures of its hybrid-electric short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft. According to the company’s February 11, 2026, press release, these patents cover proprietary technologies essential for the commercial viability of its “blown lift” propulsion system.

The newly protected intellectual property addresses the complex software and human-machine interfaces required to manage distributed electric propulsion. By securing these patents, Electra reinforces the certification path for its flagship 9-passenger EL9 aircraft, which is currently anticipated to enter service between late 2029 and 2030.

Patenting the “Brain” of the Aircraft

While much of the public attention in electric aviation focuses on battery density and motor power, Electra’s recent announcement highlights the critical role of control logic. The three patents (US Pat. #12,384,550, #12,298,151, and #12,489,181) specifically address how a pilot interacts with an aircraft that utilizes eight distributed motors to generate lift at low speeds.

Simplified Flight Path Control

The most significant of the new patents, US Pat. #12,384,550, covers a “one-lever” flight path control system. In a standard multi-engine aircraft, managing thrust across eight separate motors during a precision landing would be an overwhelming task for a pilot. Electra’s solution, as described in their release, utilizes a closed-loop system where the pilot commands a specific flight path angle through a single interface.

The onboard computer then dynamically adjusts the thrust across the distributed propulsors to maintain that path. This allows the pilot to select a mode, such as takeoff, cruise, or descent, while the software handles the complex thrust-lift management required to keep the aircraft stable.

Enhanced Pilot Guidance and Safety

The remaining two patents focus on the pilot interface and high-voltage safety:

• US Pat. #12,298,151 (Pilot Guidance Display): This patent protects the display logic designed to guide pilots during ultra-short takeoffs and landings. The system reduces cockpit workload by presenting simplified cues, removing the need for pilots to manually calculate complex thrust-lift ratios during critical phases of flight.
• US Pat. #12,489,181 (Battery Disconnect System): Addressing the safety challenges of hybrid-electric aviation, this patent covers a system for isolating battery packs. This technology is vital for maintenance safety, crash protection, and the management of high-voltage systems during flight.

Understanding “Blown Lift” Technology

These patents are designed to support Electra’s unique aerodynamic approach known as “blown lift.” Unlike standard fixed-wing aircraft that rely solely on forward speed to generate lift, or eVTOLs (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) that use raw power to hover, Electra’s design utilizes eight electric motors distributed along the leading edge of the wing.

According to company technical data, these motors blow air over the wing at high speeds, generating lift even when the aircraft itself is moving slowly (as low as 30-35 mph). This allows the EL9 to take off and land in under 150 feet (approximately 45 meters), enabling it to utilize infrastructure such as soccer fields, parking lots, and barges.

AirPro News Analysis

The granting of these patents signals a maturity in Electra’s development cycle. In the early stages of electric-aviation, the primary hurdles were physical: battery energy density and motor weight. As companies like Electra move toward certification, the hurdles shift toward human factors and control laws.

The “one-lever” control patent is particularly notable because it directly addresses the FAA’s certification requirements for pilot workload. By automating the differential thrust required for blown lift, Electra is effectively arguing that their complex eight-motor aircraft is as simple to fly as a standard turboprop. This simplification is a prerequisite for single-pilot operations, which are essential for the economic viability of regional air mobility.

Commercial Momentum and Timeline

Electra’s intellectual property wins come amidst a period of significant commercial activity for the Virginia-based manufacturer. The company reports an order book exceeding 2,200 pre-orders, valued at over $8 billion. This backlog includes agreements with major operators such as the Bristow Group, which signed a launch agreement in January 2026 to secure the first delivery slot for the EL9.

The company’s roadmap outlines the following key milestones:

• 2027: Scheduled first flight of the full-scale EL9 commercial aircraft.
• 2029–2030: Anticipated FAA Part 23 certification and entry into commercial service.

Electra previously validated its physics models through the successful flight testing of the EL2 Goldfinch, a two-seat technology demonstrator, which concluded its test campaign in early 2024. The company applied for FAA Part 23 Type Certification in December 2025, formally beginning the regulatory review process for the commercial EL9 model.

Sources

• Electra Aero Press Release