Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Travel

Cleaner air travel? FAA awards $291M in grants for sustainable fuel development

New grants by the FAA encourage sustainable aviation

By
Airplane wing and purple sky
Tom Arrowsmith via Unsplash

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced $291 million in grants toward the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and other low-emission aviation technologies. Part of the Inflation Reduction Act, these Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition (FAST) grants work to help the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse emissions by 2050. 

FAST grants: A cleaner, more sustainable aviation industry

Southwest Airlines airplane at airport
Owen Lystrup via Unsplash

For all of air travel’s benefits, commercial aircraft produce substantial carbon emissions. Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda, these new FAST grants invest in cleaner technology, ensuring aviation’s sustainability for years to come. Here’s what’s included.

  • $244.5 million goes to 22 projects that blend, produce, store, or transport SAF. Studies related to SAF infrastructure requirements have also been funded. SAFs are jet fuels composed of renewable sources with lower carbon emissions and can be used on today’s aircraft. 
  • $46.5 million was awarded to 14 projects that apply, develop, or demonstrate low-emission aviation technologies. This funding will help enhance aircraft fuel efficiency, reduce carbon output, and boost SAF use.
Recommended Videos

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg stated: “The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to enhancing the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of our national air transportation system—and reaching our mid-century target of net-zero emissions. These grants will help put the world on a path toward decarbonizing aviation while fostering domestic economic growth and ensuring the U.S. retains its global leadership in aviation.”

“The projects are instrumental in advancing our environmental and economic sustainability goals by facilitating the development and implementation of sustainable aviation fuels,” noted Laurence Wildgoose, FAA Assistant Administrator for Policy, International Affairs and Environment. “All grant recipients are based in the U.S. and are working towards putting the aviation sector on a path to achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions as outlined in the U.S. Aviation Climate Action Plan.”

Editors’ Recommendations

Mark Reif
Mark Reif
Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…
The skycouch style airline seat is the alternative to business class
Business-class comfort at a fraction of the price?
Skycouch

Flying in economy class, especially on long-haul flights, can often feel like a test of endurance. Cramped seats, limited legroom, and the dreaded middle seat are just a few of the discomforts that many travelers face. While upgrading to business or first class offers a luxurious escape from these woes, the steep price tag isn’t always justifiable for everyone.

But what if there was a middle ground? A seat that offers the comfort of a business-class experience without breaking the bank? Enter the skycouch-style airline seat: an innovative solution that promises a more relaxing journey, even in economy. Though technically still an economy seat, this couch-like setup allows passengers to stretch out and get cozy, making long flights more bearable. 

Read more
The best cities for nightlife might not be what you think they are
Grab your dancing shoes
Nightclub

When it comes to the best cities for nightlife, certain destinations often spring to mind -- places like New York, Berlin, and Tokyo, where the party never seems to stop. But what if the top nightlife spots in 2024 aren’t the ones you expect? Time Out set out to uncover the world’s best cities for nightlife by surveying thousands of locals in hundreds of cities around the globe.

They asked residents to share their favorite venues and experiences and to rate their city’s nightlife scene on both quality and affordability. They even got insider tips from DJs. The results? While some of the classic party capitals made the list, a few unexpected cities are now making a name for themselves in the world of after-dark entertainment.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Read more
British Airways’ end of summer sale offers worldwide discounts
British Airways offers excellent discounts with its end of summer sale
British Airways airplane taking off

To end the season on a high note, British Airways is offering special fares worldwide. The end of summer sale, running through Sept. 17, offers flight and vacation savings to Europe, Dubai, London, and select Indian cities during fall and winter. Passengers can embark from the airline’s 26 U.S. destinations.
Travel the world for less with the end of summer sale
Westminster, London, United Kingdom Ming Jun Tan via Unsplash

Travelers can book Club World round-trip tickets from New York to London for $2,701 or Boston to London for $2,651 this winter. Club World fares to London are $3,024 for those embarking from Tampa or Washington. Lastly, Club World flights from Los Angeles to London are $3,674. 

Read more