Boeing has announced that it is setting an ambitious target to advance the long-term sustainability of commercial aviation, committing that its commercial airplanes are capable and certified to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030.
Boeing highlights that it has previously conducted successful test flights replacing petroleum jet fuel with 100% sustainable fuels to address the urgent challenge of climate change.
Sustainable aviation fuels reduce CO2 emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s life cycle with the potential to reach 100% in the future, according to the Air Transport Action Group, U.S. Department of Energy and several other scientific studies. Currently, sustainable aviation fuels are mixed directly with conventional jet fuel up to a 50/50 blend — the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications.
So, in order to reach the aviation industry’s target to reduce CO2 emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2050, aircraft need the capability to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels much earlier.
The company ultimately wants to determine what changes are required for its current and future commercial airplanes to fly on 100% sustainable fuels. It will also work with regulatory authorities and across the industry to raise the blending limit for expanded use.
“Our industry and customers are committed to addressing climate change, and sustainable aviation fuels are the safest and most measurable solution to reduce aviation carbon emissions in the coming decades. We’re committed to working with regulators, engine companies and other key stakeholders to ensure our airplanes and eventually our industry can fly entirely on sustainable jet fuels.”
said Stan Deal, President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Boeing’s chief sustainability officer, Chris Raymond emphasizes that there is plenty of potential with sustainable fuels. He shares that these fuels are already proving their worth and are crucial to reducing carbon emissions within the market.
“With a long history of innovation in sustainable aviation fuels, certifying our family of airplanes to fly on 100% sustainable fuels significantly advances Boeing’s deep commitment to innovate and operate to make the world better. Sustainable aviation fuels are proven, used every day, and have the most immediate and greatest potential to reduce carbon emissions in the near and long term when we work together as an industry.”
said Chris Raymond, Chief Sustainable Officer, Boeing.
Sustainable aviation fuels can be made from a wide variety of feedstocks, including non-edible plants, agricultural and forestry waste, non-recyclable household waste, industrial plant off-gassing and other sources. Above all, the resources are available. However, the next step is determining how to make the most out of them.
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