Air China, Boeing and Chinese and US aviation energy partners today carried out what they say is China’s first sustainable biofuel flight.
According to Boeing the two-hour mainland flight from Beijing Capital International Airport highlights the viability of using sustainable aviation biofuel sourced in China.
PetroChina, working with Honeywell’s UOP, sourced and refined the China-grown, jatropha-based biofuel used for today’s flight aboard a Boeing 747-400 powered by Pratt & Whitney engines.
China National Aviation Fuel blended the biofuel with traditional jet fuel and also provided aircraft fuelling support.
“Through our collaborative efforts with China we have found an incredible partner and place where national capability, innovation and technology come together in a remarkable way,” said Boeing China president, Marc Allen. “This historic flight illustrates exactly how bilateral collaboration can help address environmental challenges, and we commend the Chinese for their leadership in helping to develop sustainable aviation solutions.”
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) and Boeing have also announced an agreement to further study regional biofuel development. The results are intended to help support future efforts to establish a sustainable aviation biofuels industry in China, while the study represents the foundation for an announced renewable energy agreement between the US Trade and Development Agency and the NEA.
Air China and Boeing are now planning an international flight between the US and China fuelled by biofuel.
“The recent success of our biofuel initiatives with government, energy and aviation organisations in China and around the world underscores the tremendous support that exists for the macro-economic benefits and value aviation provides through its unique ability to connect people, cultures, goods and services,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of environment and aviation policy, Billy Glover.
“Working closely with the Chinese and US energy agencies we can reduce carbon emissions in the two largest aviation markets, while helping to ensure sustainable industry growth.”
Grainne Rothery
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