Planes will fly on biofuels by 2015
In Washington, US, biofuels for use in the aviation industry could be brought to market by 2015.
Aerospace company Boeing Co. is doing its part and is working with others throughout the industry in order for 1% of all aviation fuel to come from biofuels within four years' time.
Although 1% does not sound like a significant amount, Boeing Commercial Airplane's director of environment and aviation policy Richard Wyne highlights that this equates to approximately 16 million gallons.
'This is an important issue and we are devoting a lot of time and energy to it,' Wyne explains. 'It's not just the Boeing Co. but we as an entire industry.'
In addition to biofuels suitable for the aviation industry, other things can be done in order to further lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including more efficient engines, lighter aircraft with improved aerodynamics, more efficient traffic control and airlines cutting waste. However, these measures alone will not achieve the 2020 target of carbon neutrality.
Together companies are looking into the potential of algae and other non-food plants, as first generation feedstocks are not suitable for use in jet engines.