Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

To meet legally binding mandates, Europe’s aviation industry has no more than two years to get the first production plans for electro-fueled sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF) up and running, according to a <a href="https://project-skypower.org/news-publications/accelerating-take-e-saf-europe">report published by Project SkyPower</a> on Monday. Project SkyPower, which is backed by senior air transport sector leaders, has released economic modeling showing that the industry will need to raise between €15 billion and €20 billion (up to $21.8 billion) capital investment by 2030 and a further €3 billion to €5 billion each year to achieve the scale required to meet SAF blending mandates.
According to the report, eSAF produces at least 90% less greenhouse gas emissions over its life cycle than jet-A fossil fuel. Unlike most current SAF, it is produced using renewable electricity, water, and carbon dioxide captured directly from the air or via point-source capture and thus is less restricted by feedstock options.
However, the group warned that these benefits could prove elusive to the global air transport industry because of delays in providing the infrastructure needed. Two-thirds of the planned global eSAF pipeline is in Europe, but no actual plants have had their required investments confirmed.
<h2>Government Subsidies Needed</h2>
According to Project SkyPower, government subsidies will be needed to avoid the cost of eSAF being between five and eight times as expensive as jet-A when the cost of Europe’s emissions trading scheme is factored in. This cost could be halved if investment decisions over new eSAF plants are made without further delay. The report calls for action to bridge the so-called "green premium" between eSAF and jet-A fuel.
Project SkyPower is backed by CEOs from major airlines including Air France-KLM and easyJet, as well as Copenhagen Airport and private charter flight provider Victor. Other support comes from energy groups such as Arcadia eFuels and SkyNRG, and financial institutions including ING and Natixis Corporate &amp; Investment Banking.
“Successful delivery of Project SkyPower’s action plan will fundamentally change the eSAF landscape, establishing the necessary conditions to take final investment decisions and accelerate this critical technology towards commercial operations in 2030,” said Arcadia eFuels CEO Amy Hebert.
According to the group, the investments called for could support an €80 billion eSAF market in Europe alone by 2050. This, the report claimed, could secure around 14 million jobs in the continent’s aviation industry.

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

European Aviation Leaders Demand Urgent Investment in eSAF Production

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Airline bosses are demanding government support to scale up investment in eSAF production if air transport is to meet legally binding mandates to replace jet-A.

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2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

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Sustainability partnership gains international presence with CBAA

CBAA Joins 'Climbing Fast' Industry Campaign

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News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Agreement will bring one of the first regular SAF deliveries to Florida

World Fuel and DHL Bring Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Miami

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

CycloSAF process is based on isolating cycloalkane hydrogen molecules

CleanJoule Seeks To Clear ASTM Bar for 100% Drop-in SAF

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Direct-to-consumer option is offered in partnership with SAF manufacturer Neste

One in Five Victor Charter Flight Clients Buy SAF

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Electric aircraft developer has received a $20 million contract from the Department of Health and Human Services

Beta Expands Electric Charging Station Network For U.S. Healthcare Program

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

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