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

On April 14, 2026, Honeywell announced that Brazilian state-owned energy corporation Petrobras has selected Honeywell UOP’s Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) process technology for a proposed Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) facility. According to the official press release, the planned installation will be located at Petrobras’ REPLAN refinery in São Paulo, Brazil, marking the first large-scale ETJ initiative in Latin America.

Once approved and fully operational, the facility is projected to produce up to 10,000 barrels per day (bpd), equivalent to 420,000 gallons per day, of SAF. The project aims to leverage Brazil’s highly efficient and abundant ethanol industry, which primarily utilizes sugarcane and other agricultural byproducts, to meet the escalating domestic and global demand for low-carbon aviation fuels.

Project Details and Strategic Context

Scaling Up Ethanol-to-Jet Technology

The proposed facility at the REPLAN (Paulínia) refinery remains in the project development phase and is pending a Final Investment Decision (FID) before construction can commence. By utilizing Honeywell UOP’s ETJ process, Petrobras intends to convert low-carbon ethanol into aviation fuel. Brazil is currently the world’s second-largest ethanol producer, accounting for nearly a quarter of global production, and its sugarcane-derived ethanol carries an extremely low carbon intensity (CI) score.

In the company press release, Honeywell leadership emphasized the strategic importance of utilizing regional agricultural strengths to scale renewable fuels.

“Honeywell has a long history of providing innovative process technologies and technical expertise to reduce the cost to produce renewable fuels and help customers leverage new feedstock options. With Honeywell’s ethanol-to-jet process technology, Petrobras is positioned to deliver low-carbon energy solutions leveraging abundant agricultural byproducts to create fuel, helping meet global demand.”

, Ken West, President and CEO of Honeywell Process Technology

Petrobras’ Broader SAF Strategy

This ETJ project represents a core component of Petrobras’ aggressive 2026-2030 Business Plan. According to the provided research data, the state-owned company is committing a $1.5 billion investment in biorefining, targeting 44,000 bpd of dedicated clean fuel capacity by 2030. Petrobras has been rapidly diversifying its SAF production pathways over the past few years.

In 2024, Petrobras licensed Honeywell UOP’s HEFA (Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids) technology to produce SAF and renewable diesel at the Presidente Bernardes Refinery (RPBC) using soybean oil and beef tallow. Furthermore, in December 2025, the company delivered its first commercial batch of co-processed SAF from its Duque de Caxias Refinery (Reduc), and in February 2026, it selected Topsoe’s HydroFlex technology for a massive waste and vegetable oil feedstock project at the Boaventura Energy Complex.

Industry and Regulatory Drivers

Meeting the 2027 Mandates

The push for scalable SAF production in Brazil is heavily driven by strict regulatory deadlines. Starting in 2027, airlines operating in Brazil must utilize SAF to comply with the United Nations’ ICAO CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) mandates for international flights, alongside Brazil’s domestic “Future Fuel Law.”

To support this transition, the Brazilian government announced a $1.1 billion (6 billion reais) investment in 2024 through BNDES and Finep to bolster local SAF production. Honeywell executives noted that these factors perfectly position the region for rapid growth.

“Brazil has the scale, feedstock and technology partners needed to become a global powerhouse in sustainable aviation fuel. This project is a major milestone for the region and demonstrates how strategic collaboration can accelerate Brazil’s role in the energy transition.”

, José Fernandes, President of Honeywell Latin America

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Petrobras is employing a highly pragmatic “all-of-the-above” strategy to mitigate supply chain risks. By investing simultaneously in co-processing, HEFA technology, Topsoe’s HydroFlex, and now Honeywell’s ETJ technology, Petrobras is hedging its bets across multiple feedstocks, including soy, tallow, corn oil, and ethanol. This diversification ensures resilience against agricultural yield fluctuations and commodity price spikes.

Furthermore, this ETJ project underscores Brazil’s potential to become the “Saudi Arabia of SAF.” The country already possesses the massive agricultural infrastructure required for ethanol production; by integrating Honeywell’s advanced processing technology, Brazil is effectively moving up the value chain to export high-margin, low-carbon aviation fuels just as the 2027 CORSIA regulatory clock runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ethanol-to-Jet (ETJ) technology?

ETJ is a chemical process that converts ethanol, often derived from agricultural products like sugarcane or corn, into synthetic paraffinic kerosene, which can be blended with conventional jet fuel to create Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

How much SAF will the Petrobras REPLAN facility produce?

Once approved and operational, the facility is designed to produce up to 10,000 barrels per day, which equates to approximately 420,000 gallons per day.

Is the REPLAN ETJ facility currently under construction?

No. According to the project details, the facility is currently in the project development phase and is pending a Final Investment Decision (FID) before construction begins.

Sources: Honeywell Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from H55 and Safran.

Safran Electrical & Power and H55 have officially partnered to integrate the Safran ENGINeUS electric motor into H55’s Electric-Aviation propulsion system. The collaboration, announced in a joint company press release, will power the fully electric Bristell B23 Energic aircraft, marking a significant step forward for zero-emission general aviation.

The agreement targets the certification of electric propulsion solutions for CS-23 and Part 23 Level 1 and 2 aircraft. By combining Safran’s European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certified motor technology with H55’s advanced energy storage capabilities, the companies aim to accelerate the availability of certified electric propulsion for next-generation two- to six-seat aircraft.

According to the press release, the Bristell B23 Energic will serve as the initial certification platform, specifically targeting the rapidly expanding electric pilot training market. This sector is increasingly driven by the demand for lower operating costs and zero-emission flight operations.

Accelerating Certified Electric Aviation

Certification remains one of the most significant barriers to entry in the electric aviation sector. Both Safran and H55 have recently achieved key EASA certification milestones, positioning their partnership to deliver a comprehensive, certifiable electric propulsion system to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Safran Electrical & Power has committed to supporting both the prototype and serial production phases of the Bristell B23 Energic, which are slated to begin in 2027. The company will also provide dedicated in-service support for the aircraft once it enters operation.

“As the only certified electric motor in the aviation market, ENGINeUS continues to set the industry standard, offering an outstanding power-to-weight ratio and proven, reliable performance,” said Agnès Pronost-Gilles, Executive Vice President & General Manager of the Power Division at Safran Electrical & Power.

The Bristell B23 Energic Platform

The Bristell B23, manufactured by Czech-based BRM AERO, is already a popular platform among flight schools in Europe and North America. The aircraft is currently certified under both EASA and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations and is available in several engine configurations. According to the company, the manufacturer currently produces more than 110 aircraft annually.

Integrating the combined H55 and Safran electric powertrain allows operators to transition to zero-emission training with minimal disruption. Flight schools will benefit from the same cockpit and support network while utilizing a new, environmentally friendly powertrain.

“When you combine the standard-bearer for certified energy storage with the standard-bearer for certified electric motors, you give OEMs something they haven’t had: a complete, certifiable electric propulsion system,” noted Rob Solomon, CEO of H55.

AirPro News analysis

We view the Partnerships between H55 and Safran as a maturing of the electric aviation supply chain. Instead of OEMs attempting to develop bespoke electric powertrains from scratch, they can now rely on established aerospace suppliers for certified, off-the-shelf components. H55 brings eight years of experience building battery architectures, which complements Safran’s established manufacturing scale.

By targeting the pilot training market first, H55 and Safran are focusing on a segment where the limitations of current battery technology, namely range and endurance, are less restrictive. Flight training typically involves short, frequent flights, making it an ideal use case for early electric aircraft adoption and a practical stepping stone toward larger zero-emission platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft will use the new electric propulsion system?

The fully electric Bristell B23 Energic, manufactured by BRM AERO, will be the first aircraft to utilize the integrated Safran and H55 propulsion system.

When will serial production begin?

According to the companies’ official announcement, Safran will support prototype and serial production phases beginning in 2027.

What makes this partnership significant for electric aviation?

The collaboration combines Safran’s EASA-certified ENGINeUS electric motor with H55’s certified energy storage architecture, providing aircraft manufacturers with a complete, certifiable electric propulsion system that reduces development time and risk.

Sources

• H55

In an era where passengers expect their in-flight internet to mirror the speeds and reliability of their home networks, we are seeing Airbus push to transform the aviation connectivity landscape. According to an official press release from the aerospace manufacturer, the company is shifting the industry away from closed, proprietary systems and toward open, adaptable architectures.

Historically, upgrading an aircraft’s satellite connectivity was a cumbersome process. It required grounding the plane for extensive structural modifications, as each antenna needed a customized mounting plate specific to a single satellite communications (satcom) provider. This often left Airlines locked into one vendor, struggling to keep pace with rapid technological advancements.

To address these challenges, Airbus has detailed its “Connected Aircraft” ambition, which unifies hardware, software, and satellite networks. By providing end-to-end connectivity, the company aims to help airlines deliver a seamless digital experience for passengers while simultaneously boosting operational efficiency and data visibility.

The HBCplus Platform and Modular Upgrades

At the core of this connectivity overhaul is HBCplus, an aviation-grade installation designed by Airbus to offer unprecedented flexibility. The system allows aircraft to connect to multiple satcom providers operating across various satellite orbits, ensuring that an aircraft’s access is no longer restricted to a single network during operations.

As outlined in the company’s press release, Airbus is developing a new modular approach for the HBCplus system. This upgrade will enable access to major Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, specifically naming Amazon LEO, OneWeb, Telesat, and SpaceSail. The modular design can accommodate up to two antennas and allows airlines to switch or update their vendors through a simple overnight retrofit, drastically reducing aircraft downtime.

The next iteration of the HBCplus system is planned to enter service in 2028. It will incorporate a modular antenna system based on Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) technology, optimizing speed, cost, and geographic coverage.

“Connectivity is a fast moving market, with new service providers and antenna technologies evolving rapidly. Thanks to our HBCplus modular solution, we will provide our customer with a flexible platform, providing access to the most competitive technology and service provider options at all times,” said Tim Sommer, Airbus Vice President and Head of Connected Aircraft Programme, in the press release.

Multi-Orbit Satellite Integration

LEO, MEO, and GEO Capabilities

To guarantee a reliable global connection, the Airbus Connected Aircraft utilizes a combination of different satellite orbits, each serving a specific purpose in the connectivity ecosystem.

A major focus of the new architecture is Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology. Orbiting at altitudes between 500 and 2,000 kilometers, LEO constellations consist of hundreds of moving satellites that provide very low latency (under 50 milliseconds) and true global coverage, including remote polar routes.

The system also integrates Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) satellites, positioned at approximately 8,000 kilometers, which offer high throughput and a round-trip latency of about 150 milliseconds. While not as fast as LEO, MEO speeds are more than sufficient for high-speed video conferencing. Finally, Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) satellites, located 36,000 kilometers above the equator, complement the network by providing additional bandwidth for specific use cases, despite a higher latency of over 600 milliseconds.

Open Digital Ecosystem

Beyond hardware and satellite links, Airbus is introducing a new open and scalable digital platform. Built as an end-to-end integrated operating system, this platform aggregates and manages data by combining onboard systems, ground systems, AI, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as sensors and cameras.

According to the Airbus release, this digital infrastructure turns the aircraft into a powerful asset. Airlines will have the capability to upload existing applications, such as Airbus’s own Skywise, integrate third-party software, or even develop their own custom applications to optimize daily operations and personalize the passenger journey.

AirPro News analysis

In our view, the transition to an agnostic, modular connectivity framework represents a significant operational shift for the airline industry. By eliminating the structural airframe modifications previously required to change satcom providers, we believe Airbus is effectively breaking the vendor lock-in that has long plagued airline IT procurement. The ability to perform overnight retrofits not only protects the airline’s hardware investments but also ensures that carriers can dynamically negotiate with satellite providers based on performance and cost, rather than being tethered to legacy hardware. Furthermore, we note that the integration of AI and IoT into an open operating system suggests that in-flight connectivity is evolving from a mere passenger amenity into a critical operational tool for predictive maintenance and real-time fleet management.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Airbus HBCplus?
HBCplus is an aviation-grade connectivity installation developed by Airbus that allows aircraft to connect to multiple satellite communications providers across different orbits, eliminating the need to be locked into a single network.

When will the next iteration of HBCplus be available?
According to Airbus, the next iteration of the HBCplus system, which will feature Electronically Steered Antenna (ESA) technology, is planned to enter service in 2028.

What satellite orbits does the Airbus system use?
The system utilizes a multi-orbit approach, combining Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for low latency and polar coverage, Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) for high throughput, and Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) for complementary bandwidth.

Sources: Airbus