A new report from the Airbus and Air New Zealand-led New Zealand Hydrogen Consortium predicts that green hydrogen fuelled aircraft deployed on domestic routes could reduce carbon emissions by 900,000 tonnes annually by 2050. The 'Launching green hydrogen powered aviation in Aotearoa New Zealand' report points to major investments that would be required in generation and transmission of renewable energy to generate green hydrogen, as well as new systems and processes to ensure safety in its production, distribution and use. The other key will be the production of hydrogen-powered aircraft, which Airbus is working on through its ZEROe initiative, and could start entering service during the mid-2030s. "The country’s large potential renewable electricity and water resources are key advantages while the size of aircraft used here and the length of routes flown match the capabilities of hydrogen-powered aircraft. This report lays out the ecosystem required to make that happen," says Airbus AEROe ecosystem vice president Karine Guenan. The report follows six months of studies examining the supply chain, regulatory settings and scoping the measures needed to establish a hydrogen aviation ecosystem in the country. Christchurch Airport, Fortescue, Hiringa Energy and Fabrum are the other partners in the consortium. Air New Zealand chief sustainability office Kiri Hannifin says the report provides information that could build a blueprint for hydrogen-powered aviation in New Zealand, and help the airline to meet its commitment to decarbonise. "Green hydrogen fuelled aircraft is one of the potential levers we have available to us. This report provides important proof points for both the aviation sector and decision-makers to work together to make that happen," she says.

Air France-KLM and Etihad Airways have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance collaboration in passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development and maintenance. Under the deal, Etihad and Air France-KLM plan to expand codeshare and interline agreements which were initiated in 2012, the Middle Eastern carrier says. As a first step, more than 40 routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia have been made available for booking for travel from the winter 2023 season, it adds. The accord proposes the ability for customers of both airlines' loyalty programmes to earn and redeem miles with Air France, KLM and Etihad. Additionally, the airlines will explore terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling. "This MoU builds on our existing partnership by exploring deeper network enhancements as we offer improved connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Paris, and leveraging the extensive [Air France-KLM] network to Europe and beyond," states Etihad chief revenue officer Arik De. Etihad operates daily services to both Paris Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi. Air France will start operating daily flights between Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi from 29 October. "I'm delighted to further develop our partnership with Etihad Airways," says Air France-KLM chief commercial officer Angus Clarke. "This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network." He adds: "Etihad's large footprint spanning south and southeast Asia, as well as Australia, brings significant richness to this partnership."

UK's Department for Transport has committed to introducing a revenue certainty mechanism to support sustainable aviation fuel production. The department says it will launch a consultation on the design and delivery of the scheme. It adds that it will be funded by industry and targeted to boost the aviation sector's confidence to invest in SAF and transition away from fossil fuels. The initiative is in line with UK's commitment of having at least five commercial SAF plants under construction by 2025. The government notes that it has already shown its commitment to support the industry transition to net zero through its £165 million ($207 million) Advanced Fuel Fund providing investors with reassurance in UK SAF, as well as over £600 million funding committed to the Aerospace Technology Institute for scientific research and co-investing in innovative aerospace technology. SAF project developers have welcomed this move. Chair of the Jet Zero Council SAF Delivery Group Jonathon Counsell states: "Industry is ready to take part in the consultation process to determine the right mechanism to secure the investment needed to create a UK SAF industry." The UK government has tabled the legislation as part of the Energy Bill. A plan for the mechanism's delivery by the end of 2026 has also been published.