Geneva-based Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) has launched a new publication The Beginner’s Guide to Aviation Biofuels.

According to the ATAG, within three to five years, the first drops of sustainable aviation biofuels could be entering the tanks of aircraft. In order to prepare the industry for this, the new guide aims to inform and explain to industry employees and members of the flying public some of the benefits for aviation when moving to biofuel.

The Beginner’s Guide examines the key safety and technical criteria and the testing process currently underway, while also looking at the challenges that remain if the industry is to maximize the potential of biofuels.

In the last year, the industry has put as its major focus the development of sustainable biofuel – a source of energy that could have an 80% reduction on carbon lifecycle emissions compared to current fossil fuel-based Jet A-1. There have been a series of successful test flights, with trials using fuels from diverse sources as camelina, jatropha, and algae by Virgin Atlantic, Air New Zealand, Japan Airlines, and Continental Airlines. Further flight tests are being prepared with JetBlue and Interjet in the coming year.

“We are now confident that biofuels can be technically used in flight,” said Paul Steele, Executive Director of ATAG, which is the only global organization representing all parts of the commercial air transport sector.

“There remain two major complexities: guaranteeing the biofuel we use is sustainable and doesn’t impact on food and water supplies; and ensuring we can get enough to use,” continued Steele. “The industry has called on governments to support potential biofuel suppliers in developing the necessary feedstock and refining systems until the fledgling sustainable aviation biofuels industry has achieved the necessary critical mass.”


-  Katrice R. Jalbuena

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Sources:

¹ http://www.atag.org/files/Media%201-150844A.pdf
² http://www.atag.org/content/default.asp