Tourexpi
United wants to turn
microalgae into SAF through the first new investment of its recently announced
UAV Sustainable Flight FundSM since its launch: algae biofuel company
Viridos. This $5 million investment will support the production of
sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from algae, an abundant and scalable
resource that can be grown and harvested without impacting the food supply
chain.
Viridos specializes
in the bioengineering of microalgae and its proprietary technology accelerates
the amount of oil that can produced from microalgae. This algae oil could then
be used to scale the future production of SAF.
SAF is an alternative
to conventional jet fuel that, on a lifecycle basis, reduces greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions associated with air travel compared to conventional jet fuel
alone.¹ SAF is made from used cooking oil and agricultural waste, and, in the
future, could be made from other feedstocks, including household trash, forest
waste, or algae. To date, United has invested in the future production of over
three billion gallons of SAF - the most of any airline in the world.
"SAF is proven,
scalable, and the best tool we have to reduce our carbon emissions from flying,
but we face a significant shortage of available feedstock," said United
Airlines Ventures President Mike Leskinen. "As the global aviation
leader in SAF production investment United remains committed to reaching net
zero carbon emissions, without relying on traditional carbon offsets, by 2050.
Viridos' algae-based biofuel technology has the potential to help solve our
supply problem without the need for farmland or other agricultural resources
and marks our inaugural investment in our new cross-industry UAV Sustainable
Flight Fund."
Viridos, a biofuel
company focused on decarbonizing industries, is leading the bioengineering of
microalgae and has already achieved seven times the oil productivity compared
to typical wild-type algae. This creates an opportunity for potentially
scalable and more sustainable production of algae oil, that could later be used
to produce SAF. Based on current estimates, SAF created by Viridos' algae oil
is expected to have a 70% reduced carbon footprint on a lifecycle basis when
compared to traditional jet fuel.
Viridos'
bioengineering technology combines several important and unique attributes
contributing to better scalability and sustainability compared with traditional
jet fuel production:
Surface area oil
productivities of Viridos algae far exceed any traditional oil crop, achieving
high algae oil output on comparatively small areas.
Viridos algae are
grown in vessels containing seawater. This allows contained deployment in hot
and dry locations without taxing scarce freshwater and arable land resources,
while eliminating runoff.
Viridos algae have
extremely high oil contents facilitating downstream processing to algae oil.
Viridos algae oil is
a quality plant oil allowing existing bio-refineries to process the oil with
high yield.
"By establishing
production sites to grow Viridos-engineered microalgae in saltwater, we are
creating the foundation for a biofuel future that moves away from fossil fuels
without competing for precious resources such as fresh water and arable land.
We are excited to have the support from United Airlines. Together we can build
the ecosystem needed to bring algae biofuels to the market," said Oliver
Fetzer, Viridos Chief Executive Officer.
Image Credit: ©
United Airlines
The most interesting news
UN General Assembly Hosts Tourism for Sustainable Development Event
The United Nations General Assembly has held a second thematic event focused on tourism and the sector’s critical role in critical role of tourism in advancing sustainable development and resilience.
TUI Hotels & Resorts is set to strengthen its presence across Sub-Saharan Africa
New luxury brand The Mora to be launched this year / First TUI Blue hotel project in Kenya signed / Further growth with management and franchise agreements.
Holland America Line Set to Debut New 'Glacier Day' and Enhanced Alaska-Focused Experiences
Culinary highlights include Alaska dishes by Fresh Fish Ambassador Chef Morimoto and new Alaska-themed cocktails by acclaimed bartender Sam Ross.
Kempinski Expands in China’s Jiangsu Province with a Duo of Waterfront Escapes in Yangzhou
Kempinski Group to debut Bristoria brand in China alongside an ultra-luxury lakeside Kempinski hotel in Yangzhou Economic Development Zone.
Marriott International Highlights Growth and Commitment in Türkiye
Today, Marriott International, Inc., underscored plans to grow its footprint in Türkiye with the expected addition of more than 20 properties and nearly 3,000 rooms by the end of 2025.
Caption by Hyatt Zhongshan Park Shanghai Opens Its Doors
New select-service lifestyle hotel marks the Asia-Pacific debut of the Caption by Hyatt brand.
Fairfield by Marriott Celebrates 50th Hotel Opening Milestone in Greater China
Opening of Fairfield by Marriott Chengdu High-Tech Zone.
Hamad International Airport Recognised as the World's Best Airport
The gateway to Qatar was also named 'World's Best Airport Shopping' for the second time in a row, and "Best Airport in the Middle East" for the tenth consecutive year.
Türkiye targets $60B in tourism revenue with 60M tourists in 2024
Tourism investments reach approximately $90B, with tourism employees increasing to 1.5M, says chairman of Turkish travel association.
Lufthansa Allegris takes off May 1, 2024
First destination from Munich is Vancouver, Canada / Further destinations: Toronto, Montreal and Chicago / Seat map for Allegris’ first flights from May 1 now visible in all booking channels.
The Radisson brand enters Cape Town with the newly rebranded Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore
Radisson Hotel Group brings the renowned Radisson brand to South Africa's "Mother City" with the rebranding of Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore to Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore.
It's time to book your unforgettable family vacation in Türkiye
Türkiye's turquoise coasts are one of the country's loveliest landscapes, featuring almost year-round sunshine and white sand beaches caressed by azure waves.
British low-cost carrier easyJet suspends flights to Israel until late October
Company announces decision due to 'evolving situation in Israel'.
Princess Cruises and Fincantieri Announce to Postpone Delivery of Star Princess
Princess Cruises and ship builder Fincantieri today announced the mutual decision to postpone the delivery of the next Sphere Class ship, Star Princess.
The Bentley Hotel Southampton Expected to Join JdV by Hyatt Brand in mid-2024
The all-suite retreat located at the gateway of the Hamptons is now available via Hyatt.com and is expected to join the JdV by Hyatt brand in mid-2024 following renovation completion.
UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague to Drive Innovation in Hospitality
UN Tourism and Hotelschool The Hague, have agreed to partner around the development and execution of pioneering projects in the hospitality industry.
TUI Musement powering loveholidays Tours & Activities offering
New Offering: Thousands of excursions, activities and attraction tickets now directly available to loveholidays customers.
Türkiye among top 10 health tourism countries in world
Turkish health tourism revenues soar to $2.3B in 2023, tourism association board member tells Anadolu.
Airlines react as Israel-Iran tensions escalate
Airline companies opt for alternative routes, avoiding airspace of both nations.
Destination by Hyatt to Make its South American Debut in Paracas, Peru
Hyatt expands its brand presence in South America, offering a gateway for guests and members to immerse themselves in a new awe-inspiring coastal destination.
Radisson Hotel Group debuts in Odisha with opening of Pramod Lands End Resort
Capitalizing on the growing potential of hidden gems in India, Radisson Hotel Group is pleased to announce the opening of its first hotel in Gopalpur, Odisha - Pramod Lands End Resort, a member of Radisson Individuals.