Boeing says its fleet will be able to fly on 100% biofuel by 2030

SEATTLE (Reuters) – Boeing Co said Friday it will supply commercial aircraft capable of flying on 100% biofuel by the end of the decade, calling reducing environmental damage from fossil fuels the “challenge of our lives.”

Boeing’s goal – which requires advancements in jet systems, increased fuel blending requirements and safety certification from global regulators – is central to a broader industry target to halve CO2 emissions by 2050, US plan maker said .

“It’s a huge challenge, it’s the challenge of our lives,” Sean Newsum, Boeing’s Sustainability Strategy Director, told Reuters. “Aviation is doing everything it can to reduce its ecological footprint.”

According to data from the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG), commercial flying is currently responsible for about 2% of global carbon emissions and about 12% of transport emissions.

In essence, Boeing has only a decade to achieve its goal, as jetliners entering service in 2030 will typically remain in service until 2050.

The largest aerospace company in the world also faces the task hampered by the coronavirus pandemic and the 20-month grounding of its best-selling jet after fatal crashes, straining its finances and technical resources. have put.

Boeing is not starting from scratch. In 2018, it hosted the world’s first 100% biofuel commercial airliner flight on a FedEx Corp 777 freighter.

Boeing and European rival Airbus SE are also working to reduce CO2 emissions by reducing weight and drag on new aircraft.

As it is today, biofuels are blended directly with conventional jet fuel to a 50/50 blend, which is the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications, Boeing said.

Boeing must first determine the changes that need to be made to safely fly on alternative fuels derived from spent vegetable oil, animal fats, sugar cane, waste and other sources.

Boeing must work with groups that set fuel specifications such as ASTM International to increase the blending limit to allow for extensive use, and then convince aviation regulators worldwide to certify the planes as safe, Boeing said.