Airbus to test SAF book-and-claim system
March 26, 2025
Airbus is preparing to test a pilot programme, in 2025, designed to enable sustainable aviation fuel buyers to book a certain amount of SAF and claim corresponding emission reductions, even if the fuel is used elsewhere. The aim of the initiative is to boost SAF supply and demand worldwide and provide a flexible, scalable solution to accelerate SAF adoption, the European airframer says. It adds that a first memorandum of understanding was signed by SMBC Aviation Capital, followed by AerCap, Comlux, Luxaviation, Novespace, Rive Private Investment and SAF Aerogroup. As a facilitator, Airbus will purchase SAF certificates and manage associated sustainability attributes through registry at certification body Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials. The certificates will then be resold to interested customers, such as aircraft and helicopter operators, to stimulate SAF demand. Participants in the programme hope to generate insight into the capacity and robustness of the mechanism and assess market interest in third-party facilitation of such integrated SAF solutions. "For a lot of smaller operators, getting access to SAF can be challenging depending on the amount of SAF needed," states Airbus head of sustainable aviation fuel and carbon dioxide removals, Julien Manhes. "Through this initiative, Airbus can simplify and de-risk the process for operators and SAF suppliers, by financially securing SAF certificates upfront and sharing them when customers need them."
Gol secures Chapter 11 exit financing commitment
March 25, 2025
Gol and its subsidiaries have entered into an exit financing commitment letter with certain investors. Under terms of the agreement, the committed parties would purchase up to $1.25 billion of the $1.9 billion debt instruments to be issued on the effective date of the restructuring plan provided for under Gol's Chapter 11 cases. The Brazilian carrier – which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in January 2024, and has targeted May 2025 for emergence from the reorganisation process – notes that the exit financing will be used to repay the obligations under debtor-in-possession financing, to pay transaction costs and to provide working capital and other support for its business upon emergence from the reorganisation process.
Boeing certification testing of 777-9 braking system underway
March 25, 2025
Boeing has begun certification testing of the braking system used in the in-development 777-9 long-haul aircraft. "In this phase of certification testing, our team will demonstrate the safety and reliability of the 777-9's aerodynamics, brakes and engines, ensuring compliance to rigorous regulatory requirements," says Stephanie Pope, chief operating officer of Boeing and president and chief executive of its commercial airplanes division, in a LinkedIn post. She adds that "this month's tests are being conducted with US Federal Aviation Administration personnel on board after our regulator expanded type inspection authorisation for the 777-9, confirming the airplane’s readiness". Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg said on 20 February during the Barclays Industrial Select Conference that the US manufacturer hopes to achieve certification for the in-development 737 Max 7 and 10 variants later this year, and is targeting early 2026 for certification of 777-9. He noted at the time that the 777-9 is undergoing a flight-test programme.