Hydrogen aviation update, howAI shakes up airlines, and JetZero gets to $175M

Jan 17

Written By Miquel

Welcome to the first edition of the year of the Allplane Aviation Innovation & Sustainability Newsletter, where we explore the latest developments shaping the future of flight: from groundbreaking propulsion technologies and sustainable aviation initiatives to AI's disruptive potential in airline distribution!

This week we also dive into the challenges of VTOL aircraft, examine the critical materials that make modern aviation possible, and highlight exciting advances in supersonic research and electric aviation. Let’s have a look!

Sustainable Aviation & Alternative Fuel

Switzerland Joins EU's ReFuelEU Initiative

Although not a member state, on the 1st of January Switzerland joined the EU's ReFuelEU initiative, which sets mandates for airlines' SAF adoption—a significant step toward harmonizing sustainable aviation fuel standards across Europe.

What’s going on in Hydrogen Propulsion?

ZeroAvia has shared a video of ground flights it is conducting with liquid hydrogen propulsion on its Dornier Do228 testbed. Meanwhile, airports and their industry partners worldwide are advancing hydrogen initiatives—check out this comprehensive map of hydrogen airport programs being conducted globally.

Digital Transformation & AI

AI Threatens to Disrupt Airline Distribution

British Airways' CEO has shared interesting comments about agentic AI searches driving further commoditization in the airline industry and disrupting traditional distribution platforms—a look at how AI could reshape airline economics.

Archer Partners with NVIDIA for AI-Assisted Flight

Archer is partnering with NVIDIA to enhance its eVTOL pilots' situational awareness and operational capabilities through integrated AI-assisted flight operations technology.

Aircraft Materials & Supply Chains

What Metals Are Aircraft Made Of?

Nils Backeberg's team at Project Blue has researched over 400 civilian and military aircraft programs and created some insightful infographics on aircraft materials composition.

To learn more about metal supply chains in aviation, check out this piece on the titanium market at AeroTime (with inputs from Project Blue as well), exploring how China and Russia's grip on supply creates some strategic risks

Advanced Aircraft Design & Technology

The VTOL Penalty Explained

A concise and insightful piece about the physical challenges of vertical take-off and landing explains why tilt-rotor and other similar concepts are not that widespread—essential reading for understanding the fundamental constraints many eVTOL producers face.

JetZero Secures $175M in Series B Funding

The blended-wing-body startup JetZero has raised another $175M from a number of prominent investors, reiterating its goal of conducting its first flight in 2027.

NASA Advances Supersonic Research

NASA remains committed to its supersonic research program, the "Quesst Mission," and has received two F-15 fighter jets just retired from active Air Force service to support this initiative.

eVTOL & Urban Air Mobility

Joby Expands Production Before Certification

Joby is planning to expand its production capacity in Ohio, even before completing its certification or delivering a single aircraft—a bold bet on future demand.