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United Airlines

Alder Renewables Hits 1,000-Hour Biocrude Pilot, Eyes Commercial Scale-Up

Alder Renewables Hits 1,000-Hour Biocrude Pilot, Eyes Commercial Scale-Up

San Antonio – September 29, 2026 -- Alder Renewables has completed 1,000 hours of continuous operation at its integrated industrial pilot, producing on-spec Alder Renewable Crude (ARC) from commercially sourced woody biomass pyrolysis oil. The sustained run validates the company's low-temperature conversion process and generates operating data now feeding into equipment design for its first full-scale commercial project.

Pilot data will size larger commercial units

The 1,000-hour campaign confirmed Alder's integrated process can hold continuous operation while repeatedly meeting product specifications. Alder is applying the results to refine process controls, operating parameters and equipment design for scale-up engineering.

Pratt & Whitney Delivers First GTF Advantage Engine to United Airlines

East Hartford, Conn. – September 24, 2026 -- Pratt & Whitney has delivered its first aircraft powered by the new GTF Advantage engine to United Airlines, an Airbus A321XLR, marking the commercial debut of the upgraded engine platform.

GTF Advantage doubles time on wing versus current engine model

The GTF Advantage features an upgraded hot section that Pratt & Whitney says will deliver up to twice the time on wing compared to today's GTF engine, along with 4-8% more takeoff thrust for extended range. The company calls it the most advanced hot section in the single-aisle engine market.