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Aviation will not decarbonise at the pace required unless Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects can reach final investment decision (FID) far more rapidly, industry leaders warned during a recent Sustainable Aviation Futures webinar, hosted in partnership with technology company Johnson Matthey.

The session brought together voices from across the value chain: technology provider Johnson Matthey, airline group IAG, energy major Repsol, lender Santander, and insurer AXA.

The webinar host noted that while around 50 SAF plants are operational globally and roughly 40 more have secured financing, over 150 projects remain stuck in planning, with at least 50 abandoned or paused in recent years. “SAF is essential to decarbonise aviation, but getting projects from paper to FID is by no means guaranteed,” she said.

Defining FID readiness

For Paul Ticehurst of Johnson Matthey, being “FID ready” means a project is “fully defined” with clear capital and operating costs, timelines, production volumes, revenues and, crucially, a deep understanding of its risk portfolio. That includes off‑taker risk, feedstock risk, policy risk, construction risk, operational risk and technology risk. Early engagement with all stakeholders – investors, EPC contractors, insurers and off‑takers – is, he argued, essential to build confidence.

Sponsor strength, technology choice and regulation

From a developer’s perspective, Alfonso García of Repsol stressed that overall project risk hinges on three pillars: the sponsor’s financial strength and operating track record, the maturity and flexibility of the chosen technology, and the regulatory environment. In Europe, he described the policy framework as both “more material” and “more complex”, driven by multiple overlapping mandates. He underlined the importance of policy‑agnostic designs and product flexibility, allowing plants to switch output – for example, between SAF and renewable diesel – when market conditions shift.

Finance and insurance: putting risks on the right balance sheet

Urbano Pérez of Santander highlighted that most SAF plants to date have *not* been project‑financed, and that moving to true non‑recourse finance dramatically raises the bar for risk assessment. Lenders, he said, are “buying into the predictability of cash flows”, which in turn depends on robust off‑take agreements, secure and affordable feedstock, proven technology performance and disciplined construction.

Katie Lennon of AXA described SAF as a “relatively immature” industry that is unusually open about risk. She urged developers to bring insurers in “at the pre‑conception stage” so that technical risk consultants can help engineer out problems before construction. Insurance, she added, can absorb technology performance, credit, political and even weather risks – so long as the “right risk sits on the right balance sheet”.

Airlines’ long‑term role

Representing demand, Jonathan Counsell of IAG said SAF is “absolutely critical” to the group’s net‑zero plans, with up to 70% of its fuel potentially coming from SAF by 2050. IAG has already signed 10‑ to 14‑year off‑take agreements with power‑to‑liquid producers, but only after extensive due diligence on technology, pricing and policy exposure. Counsell backed SAF mandates in the EU and UK, but warned that sub‑targets – particularly for emerging e‑fuel technologies – must be realistic to avoid large‑scale buy‑outs that would signal “policy failure”.

Across the panel, one message was consistent: only early, coordinated engagement between developers, airlines, financiers, insurers, technology providers and policymakers will unlock the scale of investment needed to take SAF from niche to norm.

The inaugural IFAT Saudi Arabia aims to accelerate investment in sustainable waste and water infrastructure across the Kingdom. The event will focus on knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and sector collaboration through a strategic summit and a CPD-certified conference programme.

Taking place from 26-28 January at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, IFAT Saudi Arabia is designed to support national development goals and market readiness. The Summit and conference stages will examine how policy, capital, and technology can enhance waste and water systems, promote circular economy models, and strengthen long-term environmental resilience.

“Strengthening waste management systems is a key priority for supporting environmental protection, operational efficiency and resource recovery,” said Dr. Abdullah Al Sebaei, CEO of the National Center for Waste Management (MWAN). “IFAT Saudi Arabia creates a focused environment for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, review international experience and align on strategic approaches that support the Kingdom’s regulatory direction and circular economy ambitions.”

The invite-only IFAT Saudi Arabia Summit on 26 January will bring together senior government officials, regulators, investors, and industry leaders to discuss the strategic direction of the Kingdom’s waste and water sectors. Sessions will focus on impact investment, public-private partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and future readiness, featuring regional and international case studies and policy insights.

Key discussions include the Leaders Panel, which will assess the evolving waste and water economy in Saudi Arabia, and the Water Security Panel, led by the Saudi Water Authority, focusing on governance and integrated strategies for national water security. “A secure and resilient water sector requires long-term planning, strong governance and close coordination across public and private stakeholders,” said Eng. Mamdooh Alshuaibi, Vice President of Sustainability and Water Sector Services at the Saudi Water Authority. “IFAT Saudi Arabia provides a timely setting to discuss policy priorities, investment frameworks and technical approaches that support efficient water use, system resilience and sustainable service delivery across the Kingdom.”

Complementing the Summit, the CPD-certified conference programme will run across two thematic stages. Orange Stage will focus on waste management, recycling, and circular economy practices, featuring sessions on smart municipal solid waste systems, operational efficiency, and the role of digitalization and cybersecurity. Highlights include a panel marking the launch of the World Bank’s latest report on Solid Waste Management in MENA, in collaboration with the International Solid Waste Association.

Blue Stage, running 27–28 January, will explore water resilience, desalination, reuse, and digital transformation for utilities and industrial users. Sessions include a panel on Middle East water resilience organized by German Water Partnership, a brine mining case study led by NEOM, and discussions on financing and PPP models led by the International Water Association.

By connecting policy, investment, and applied solutions, IFAT Saudi Arabia aims to drive informed decision-making, cross-sector collaboration, and practical delivery across the Kingdom’s environmental ecosystem.

At CONEXPO-CON/AGG, John Deere Power Systems debuted the latest additions to its Next Generation Engine (NGE) range, where they formed the cornerstone of a versatile lineup designed to meet the industry’s evolving demands

The upcoming JD5 and JD8 industrial engines will offer more flexible power solutions to meet the diverse needs of its OEM customers, reflecting the company’s commitment to customer choice and providing the right power for the right application. The JD5 and JD8 will enhance power options in key mid-range applications where power density and installation flexibility are critical.

The JD5 5.0L engine will offer an anticipated power range of 125–268 hp (93–200 kW), and the JD8, a 7.5L engine, will offer an anticipated power range of 250–389 hp (187–290 kW). They will be compatible with renewable diesel fuel and biodiesel blends.

The lead application for the JD8 is anticipated to be launched in 2029, followed by the JD5.

JDPS also showcased the latest in KREISEL Electric (KREISEL) batteries, an advanced battery technology designed to prioritise runtime, energy density, and seamless integration, as well as highlighting a versatile charging ecosystem to support the transition to electric, with the development of both stationary and mobile charging options with varying power outputs.

Speaking to African Review at CONEXPO-CON/AGG, David Wendt, account manager at John Deere Power Systems, underlined the company’s commitment to investing in diesel engine technology as part of a multiple-pathway approach which includes advancing next-generation diesel engines, enabling compatibility with renewable fuels, and integrating battery technology in applications where it delivers the most value — all supported by comprehensive aftermarket and customer support solutions. This strategy allows OEMs to leverage advanced diesel technology alongside emerging power solutions, providing the flexibility to thrive in an evolving landscape without compromising performance. There is no one size fits all solution.

“Over the past five years, we have introduced three new John Deere diesel engines in addition to the two we’re showcasing here,” said Wendt. “This marks a new era of power and an expanded displacement range for our engine lineup. It’s important for our customers to see John Deere’s continued commitment to investing in diesel technology.”

Wendt also highlighted a focus on serviceability and maintainability within the NGE engines. This is evidenced by extended service intervals and a design that prioritises accessible, cost-effective maintenance for common repair items — all aimed at reducing the customer’s total cost of ownership.

“What is important for customers, whether in Africa, the Middle East or anywhere around the world, is not only engine performance, but serviceability. This is something we are really focused on,” he stressed.

He explained that common design characteristics across its JD series mean that technicians are able to address issues and get machines back up and running faster. Often engines will have identical part numbers or common systems, which makes it much easier for technicians to service different engines.

“These engines were all designed to be power dense, to be electronically controlled, to meet emissions requirements and to be easy to service,” he said.

Wendt added that certain features have been designed into the NGE engines to help reduce maintenance and downtime, helping customers to keep their operations up and running. One of these is hydraulic valve lash adjustment, which allows for the elimination of a maintenance interval that usually takes place between 2,000 and 2,500 hours. It also allows for quiet operation, contributing to a better operator experience, and reduces wear and tear on the valve train, resulting in better durability and reliability. Additionally, the gear train has been moved from the front of the engine to the rear, which not only eliminates torque and torsion, but also allows for a belt-driven water pump at the front, eliminating the possibility of coolant entering the oil system should the pump fail.

“Ultimately, it is about keeping the customer’s overall experience at the forefront of everything we do,” he concluded.

Global bulk material handling specialist Martin Engineering has announced it will unveil a series of new conveyor accessories and flow technologies at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, taking place from 3–7 March at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Exhibiting at booth C30148 in the Central Hall, the company will present heavy-duty systems developed at its Center for Innovation, targeting safer and more efficient bulk handling operations across the aggregates and mining sectors.

Chris Schmelzer, Director of National Sales for the US and Canada, said the new portfolio has been tested in demanding real-world environments. He added that visitors will be able to explore solutions designed to support cleaner, safer and more productive material handling processes, from extraction through to final product.

Products on show

A key focus at the show will be dust and spillage control at conveyor transfer points, where emissions remain a persistent industry challenge.

Among the products on display is the Martin Skirtboard Liner, engineered to protect sealing systems by absorbing impact and abrasion inside transfer point skirtboards. The liner features a steel-reinforced urethane construction and a T-slot mounting interface that allows adjustment from outside the chute wall, reducing the need for confined space entry.

The company will also preview the Martin ApronSeal Urethane Skirting system, a dual-seal assembly combining a primary urethane seal with a self-adjusting secondary flap to contain fine material. Designed for belt speeds of up to 4.5 m/s, the system requires minimal maintenance and limited free belt space.

In addition, Martin’s modular A.I.R. Control Dust Curtains are designed to create controlled air recirculation zones within transfer enclosures, helping to reduce dust emissions compared with conventional rubber curtain systems. The curtains can be adjusted or replaced externally, cutting service times.

Flow improvement technologies will also feature prominently. The N2 Air Cannon Intelligence System monitors connected air cannons multiple times daily, detecting misfires, measuring blast efficiency and tracking pressure and temperature. A cloud-based dashboard enables predictive maintenance and reduces manual inspections.

An expanded line of electric vibrators will be introduced, aimed at improving material separation and preventing build-up in hoppers, silos and chutes. The new models offer increased power and efficiency while maintaining durability, backed by a three-year warranty.

The company will also present upgraded belt cleaning systems, including the Martin H1 Primary Belt Cleaner and P2 and R2 secondary cleaners, built with stainless steel components and tungsten carbide tips for use on abrasive materials and high-speed or reversing belts.

Manufacturing companies are increasingly investing in artificial intelligence to modernise IT operations, but many remain unprepared to deploy the technology at scale, according to a global survey by Riverbed.

The study, titled The Future of IT Operations in the AI Era, found that 87% of manufacturing leaders and technical specialists say their investments in AIOps – artificial intelligence for IT operations – have delivered returns that meet or exceed expectations. However, only 37% believe their organisations are fully ready to operationalise AI across the enterprise.

The findings highlight strong industry interest in using AI to streamline operations, reduce costs and manage complex global supply chains. Yet significant barriers remain. According to the survey, 62% of AI initiatives in manufacturing are still in pilot or development stages, suggesting many companies are still experimenting rather than deploying large-scale AI systems.

Data quality emerged as one of the most significant challenges. Around 90% of respondents agreed that improving the quality of organisational data is essential for AI success. However, nearly half of those surveyed reported concerns about the accuracy and completeness of their data.

In fact, 47% said they lack confidence in whether their current data can support effective AI outcomes, while only 34% rated their data as excellent in terms of relevance and usability.

Richard Tworek, chief technology officer at Riverbed, said the results illustrate both strong progress and lingering challenges within the sector.

He noted that while manufacturers are achieving positive returns from AIOps investments, many organisations are still grappling with gaps in preparedness and data quality that could slow the wider adoption of AI technologies.

Another key trend identified in the research is the growing focus on consolidating IT tools. On average, manufacturing companies currently use around 13 observability platforms sourced from nine different vendors. As a result, 95% of organisations surveyed are now working to reduce the number of tools they use in order to lower costs, improve integration and streamline IT operations.

At the same time, companies continue to evaluate new solutions. The survey found that 91% of manufacturers are considering adopting new tools to support consolidation efforts and improve interoperability across systems.

The report also highlighted the rising importance of unified communications platforms in modern manufacturing workplaces. Around 42% of employees use these tools regularly, while 66% of respondents said they are essential to day-to-day operations.

Despite this growing reliance, satisfaction remains mixed. Only 45% of respondents said they were satisfied with the performance of their communication tools, while 42% reported experiencing issues such as dropped calls, limited visibility and integration challenges.

Looking ahead, many manufacturers are prioritising stronger data infrastructure to support AI strategies. Nearly three quarters of respondents plan to establish dedicated AI data repository strategies by 2028, while network performance, data movement costs and interoperability were identified as critical factors in scaling AI applications.

The research also found widespread adoption of OpenTelemetry, with 44% of manufacturers already fully implementing the technology and a further 42% in the process of adopting it.

As manufacturers continue their digital transformation efforts, the study suggests that improving data quality, infrastructure and integration will be key to unlocking the full potential of AI-driven IT operations.

Airlines and aviation authorities across the Middle East are adjusting operations as regional tensions and airspace restrictions continue to disrupt travel, forcing carriers to reduce schedules while governments coordinate support for affected passengers.

Emirates confirmed it is operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice following the partial reopening of some regional airspace. The airline said it plans to run more than 100 flights to and from Dubai on 5 and 6 March in order to transport passengers and move essential cargo such as pharmaceuticals and perishables.

A spokesperson said the carrier will progressively rebuild its timetable as more airspace becomes available and operational requirements are met. Safety, the airline emphasised, remains its primary priority while it continues to monitor developments across the region.

Passengers have been advised to travel to the airport only if they hold confirmed bookings and to check the airline’s website and social media channels for the latest updates.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based carrier flydubai has resumed flights across parts of its network but is currently operating a scaled-back schedule. The airline said it is gradually adding services as restrictions on regional airspace begin to ease.

However, flight times may be longer than usual as aircraft are temporarily rerouted to avoid restricted zones. The airline also urged customers not to travel to the airport without confirmation of a booking or rebooked flight. Travellers connecting through Dubai will only be accepted if their onward flight is operating.

Despite wider disruptions, aviation activity in Jordan has remained comparatively stable. The Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission reported that airports across the Kingdom continued operating normally on Wednesday despite the closure of airspace in several neighbouring countries.

According to commission chairman Deifallah Farajat, Queen Alia International Airport recorded 67 inbound flights and 58 departures during the day, with national carrier Royal Jordanian accounting for the largest share of operations. Authorities said technical teams remain on standby to respond to any developments affecting airspace safety.

Elsewhere, the government of Oman has begun assisting foreign nationals stranded across the Gulf as the travel disruption intensifies. Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi said the country is working with governments and international airlines to organise flights for travellers seeking to leave the region.

Omani authorities are coordinating with diplomatic missions and carriers to ensure safe and orderly departures for affected passengers. The initiative reflects the Sultanate’s longstanding diplomatic approach of prioritising humanitarian assistance during regional crises.

The aviation disruption follows the escalation of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has prompted several countries to close or restrict their airspace. Airlines have been forced to cancel services or divert aircraft along longer routes to avoid conflict zones.

Industry observers warn that flight disruptions could persist in the coming weeks if hostilities continue, with travellers across the Middle East advised to monitor airline updates as schedules remain subject to rapid change.