Air China, Boeing, and Chinese and U.S. aviation energy
partners have conducted China's first sustainable biofuel
flight. The two-hour mainland flight from Beijing Capital
International Airport was witnessed by officials from both
countries and highlights the viability of using sustainable
aviation biofuel sourced in China.
"Through our collaborative efforts with China we have
found an incredible partner and place where national
capability, innovation and technology come together in a
remarkable way," said Boeing China President Marc Allen.
"This historic flight illustrates exactly how bilateral
collaboration can help address environmental challenges,
and we commend the Chinese for their leadership in helping
to develop sustainable aviation solutions."
PetroChina, working with Honeywell's UOP, sourced and
refined the China-grown, jatropha-based biofuel used for
today's flight aboard a Boeing 747-400 powered by Pratt
& Whitney engines. China National Aviation Fuel blended
the biofuel with traditional jet fuel and also provided
aircraft fueling support.
China's National Energy Administration (NEA) and Boeing
also announced an agreement for further study of regional
biofuel development. The study results will help support
future efforts to establish a sustainable aviation biofuels
industry in China, and also form the foundation for an
announced renewable energy agreement between the U.S. Trade
and Development Agency and the NEA.
Air China and Boeing are already working plans for an
international flight between the U.S. and China fueled by
sustainable biofuel, which will highlight increasing
cooperation on renewable energy development between the two
countries.
"The recent success of our biofuel initiatives with
government, energy and aviation organizations in China and
around the world underscores the tremendous support that
exists for the macro-economic benefits and value aviation
provides through its unique ability to connect people,
cultures, goods and services," said Boeing Commercial
Airplanes Vice President of Environment and Aviation
Policy, Billy Glover. "Working closely with the Chinese and
U.S. energy agencies we can reduce carbon emissions in the
two largest aviation markets, while helping to ensure
sustainable industry growth."
The China-Boeing aviation partnership dates back nearly
a century, with more than half of all commercial jets
operating in China today being Boeing aircraft. Boeing and
its partners, including the US-China Energy Cooperation
Program, are now jointly addressing the challenges of
sustainability and working to establish a pathway for China
to create a sustainable aviation biofuel industry. Boeing
Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Research & Technology
are at the forefront of the global effort to expand
aviation's fuel supply through sustainable options.