FAA Awards $291M in Air Sustainability-Related Grants

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $291
million for projects that will help achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas
emission from aviation by 2050, the agency announced Friday. 

About $244.5 million is for 22 projects that produce,
transport, blend or store sustainable aviation fuel and for reviewing studies
related to SAF infrastructure needs, according to the FAA. These grants will
“expand SAF production, enhance SAF supply chains, and increase SAF accessibility.”

Another $46.5 million will go for 14 projects that “develop,
demonstrate or apply low-emission aviation technologies,” according to the
agency, and aim to reduce carbon pollution, improve aircraft fuel efficiency
and increase SAF use.

SAF manufacturer Gevo, which has partnered with several
airlines globally, will receive $16.8 million to convert an existing fuel
facility in Luverne, Minn., to a fully integrated alcohol-to-jet production
facility for SAF production.

JetZero, which
Alaska Airlines recently invested in, will receive $8 million to develop
key technologies for a highly fuel-efficient blended-wing-body airplane.