China gives aviation biofuel green light

The Chinese government has approved a domestic aviation biofuel for commercial use, with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) awarding Sinopec the first ever certificate of airworthiness for biobased jet fuel.

According to the CAAC, the bio jet fuel complies with the CTSO-2C701 standard that applies to civil aviation jet fuel containing synthesised hydrocarbons.

The biofuel underwent rigorous testing before being given the green light. Last year, a Chinese Eastern Airlines Airbus 320 completed a test flight from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport using some 1.7 tonnes of biofuel made from palm oil and recycled cooking oil feedstocks.