Boeing to launch biofuels initiative for return flights

Airplane manufacturer Boeing announced that it will be offering airlines and operators the option of powering their new commercial jet with biofuel for return flights.

Boeing claims that the initiative supports the industry’s drive to protect the environment, lowering emissions by up to 80%.

“This is another step in our decade-long journey to encourage the adoption of sustainable fuels and help commercial aviation earn its license to keep growing,” said Sheila Remes, vice-president of strategy at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“We have great customers such as Alaska Airlines that have made good progress in adopting the use of biofuels. We hope this new option will make it easier for them and others to demonstrate our industry’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions.”

Alaska Airlines will be utilising a blend of biofuel from Boston-headquartered World Energy and traditional aviation fuel when it accepts a delivery of three Boeing 737 Max planes.

“Alaska takes seriously the responsibility to deliver for all those who depend on us—employees, guests, our communities and the environment around us—for the long term. That’s the definition of sustainability,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, vice-president of external relations at Alaska Airlines.

“We congratulate our partners at Boeing for operationalizing a drop-in sustainable aviation jet fuel option. We’re excited to not only take advantage of the first biofuel delivery, but to continue working together to advance and scale mainstream adoption of sustainable fuel and other practices to enhance the aviation industry’s ability to do good.”

According to the release, World Energy produces the biofuel at its refinery in Paramount, California which Boeing claims is the world’s first facility designed to commercially produce renewable jet fuel.

“World Energy is here to serve any organization committed to leading the shift toward a low-carbon future,” World Energy CCO Bryan Sherbacow said.

“Companies such as Boeing understand their obligation to the communities they serve and have taken meaningful action to transition to cleaner energy and reduce their carbon footprint. Our job is to manage the low-carbon fuel supply chain to provide the product these leaders need to efficiently operate and drive positive change.”