Soaring into the Future: Driving Innovative Sustainable Solutions

Changing the travel game over the last few years, Pelorus is working to embed sustainability within each experience we create. Now, with Pelorus Aviation, we're committed to promoting new technologies that are set to change the aviation industry, offering our clients the most sustainable options throughout their trip.

We’ve taken a look at the innovations we aim to contribute to, driving the industry's evolution towards cleaner alternatives.

Fuelling Change

Over the past decade, the aviation industry has made significant strides in reducing its environmental impact. From improved fuel efficiency to the development of alternative fuels, airlines and aircraft manufacturers have been actively seeking solutions to minimise their carbon footprint. Companies are investing in research and development to explore biofuels, electric propulsion systems, and hydrogen-powered aircraft.

Currently, aviation fuels are petroleum-based or a petroleum and synthetic blend. Petroleum literally means 'rock oil’ and it exists in the upper strata of the Earth's crust and has to be drilled for and refined. Despite new technologies working to reduce the ecological repercussions of this process, the impact of burning petroleum still has a very serious impact on global climate change.

One new development is sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which can be made from sustainable waste and has the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. And, as it complies with the same standards as fossil jet fuel, it works on current aircraft which means there is no need to design or build new aircraft or set up a parallel fuel infrastructure (as is required with hydrogen-powered or electric planes).

We are leading the way by enabling customers to buy SAF, via a partnership with Finnish oil refining company Neste. When booking, clients can choose what percentage of their aviation emissions they wish to reduce by purchasing SAF. Then, using the ‘Pay-It-Forward’ concept, Neste calculates how much SAF equals to the emission reduction and distributes the SAF to ensure that a flight, if not theirs, benefits from the carbon emission reduction purchased. Our aim is to move the needle and encourage the widespread adoption of emission-reduction technologies, helping to scale a solution which is predicted to play a pivotal role in the decarbonisation of the travel industry.

Clean Tech Travel

There is a huge amount of innovation being made in the clean tech space, with new cutting-edge technology meaning there are now tangible ways to make journeys more sustainable whilst maintaining the standards UHNWs are used to.

Pelorus Aviation has partnered with OceanSky Cruises to take guests firstly to the North Pole aboard next-generation Airlander 10 airships. This zero-emission aircraft will be filled with lift-giving helium gas which is lighter than air and powered by four propellers, allowing the airship to fly continuously for days. With no need for a runway, it will be able to take off and land almost anywhere – perfect for remote locations such as the Arctic.

“Moving around the planet is an unavoidable aspect of travel. It’s often the most difficult to justify when looking at the environmental cost of ultra-bespoke experiences and is a long-standing issue that we – along with the rest of the industry – are acutely aware of. Thankfully, we are seeing transport and logistic providers on land, sea and in the air working incredibly hard to develop cutting-edge technology that allows for massive improvements in this area, whilst also maintaining the standards that UHNWIs are used to. In the very near future, we expect more and more of these clean transport options to feature heavily in luxury travel itineraries and have already started to work with innovative partners to bring these new technological capabilities to market.”

Jimmy Carroll

Co-founder of Pelorus & Business Development Director

Electric Vertical Take Off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs) are also on track to replace helicopters and, in some cases, will become the future flying taxi system connecting cities and countries. As well as servicing these shorter distances, eVTOLs will enable travellers to expand their exploration adventures, from taking off and landing on yachts to flying through mountain and jungle environments.

Luxury Travel Redefined

For luxury travellers accustomed to unparalleled comfort and exclusivity, sustainable aviation offers a new dimension of sophistication. Aerodynamics are getting a sleek makeover, with aircraft built with lighter, stronger materials boasting cutting-edge wing designs for reduced drag. These marvels of engineering will translate to quieter cabins, smoother rides and, most importantly, significantly lower fuel consumption.

Looking Ahead

With ongoing investments in research and development, along with support from regulations and a growing demand for more sustainable options, the aviation industry is getting ready for a shift towards sustainability.

For luxury travellers, the future of aviation means not just more comfort and convenience, but also a strong commitment to their impact.

“Our policy is not to stand on the sidelines and make noise but to take action. These solutions are not silver bullets, but they are much better than the status quo, and each one is better than the last - leading us to a cleaner future. We choose to act to help process and promote positive change”.

Geordie Mackay-Lewis

Co-founder & CEO of Pelorus

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