2nd October, 2008

The airlines, led by Boeing, have commissioned two initial studies investigating algae and jatropha-sourced biofuels.

Aeroplane manufacturer Boeing is heading a biofuels initiative, supported by several airlines, which aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuels.

The basic target is to use biofuels and to replace fossil fuels in 2013.

The group has commissioned two initial studies investigating algae and jatropha-sourced biofuels’ lifecycle carbon dioxide emissions and socio-economic impact.

Airline members of the newly-formed Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group comprise Air France, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Cargolux, Continental Airlines, Gulf Air, Japan Airlines, KLM, SAS and Virgin Atlantic Airways, which claim to collectively account for 15-20% of commercial jet fuel use.

They have teamed up with Boeing and Honeywell’s refining technology developer UOP to research renewable fuel sources with the aim of cutting emissions, reducing the industry’s fossil fuel dependence and its exposure to oil price volatility.

‘The airlines in this group have all previously had their own initiatives and, for the first time, we have joined together as a common force,’ Gulf Air chief strategy officer Tero Taskila comments.

‘It will give us more force behind the cause, which will make it faster and we can address the issues globally.’

‘It is very important that, whatever alternative solution we have in the future, it can be produced locally,’ he adds. ‘It doesn’t make sense to have a refinery in Brussels supplying the rest of the world because taking the fuel around the world will create a carbon footprint.’

Following initial discussions in January, Taskila says members of the group met in Seattle in August with a follow-up meeting scheduled for October.

During this session the members will work to align their existing projects and come up with a detailed plan of how to progress.

Boeing is funding the research, which will be performed by the Natural Resources Defense Council and Yale University.

Permalink: http://www.biofuels-news.com/news/boeing_initiative.html