Boeing Commits to 100% Renewable Fuel Powered Jets by 2030
Date: January 22, 2021
Source: Boeing
Boeing is targeting 2030 as the year when the entirety of the commercial jets it manufactures will be built to fly entirely on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF is a fuel almost chemically identical to standard petroleum jet fuel, however it is derived from a variety of sources. Among the most common are used cooking oil and animal byproducts. According to studies done by the US Department of Energy, SAF can currently reduce carbon emissions of jets by up to 80 percent over the course of its lifecycle.
In efforts to fight climate change, the aviation industry exists as a major obstacle for parties seeking to reduce global emissions. Currently, there are few alternatives to petroleum jet fuel that would be able to power the intercontinental passenger flights that move millions of people every day. SAFs, now, appear to be the next step in order to move the industry in a "greener" direction. One of the major obstacles to this is regulation. Currently, jets can be fueled by about 50% SAF at most. This regulation, along with the engines that power most jets, will have to change for Boeing to meet its 2030 goal.
PRESS RELEASE
1/22/2021
Boeing Commits to Deliver Commercial Airplanes Ready to Fly on 100% Sustainable Fuels
Bold goal this decade to expand a proven, safe approach to reduce emissions
Boeing builds on industry leadership in making sustainable aviation fuels a reality
SEATTLE, Jan. 22, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) 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 has previously conducted successful test flights replacing petroleum jet fuel with 100% sustainable fuels to address the urgent challenge of climate change.
According to the Air Transport Action Group, U.S. Department of Energy and several other scientific studies, 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. Today, sustainable aviation fuels are mixed directly with conventional jet fuel up to a 50/50 blend — the maximum allowed under current fuel specifications. In order to meet aviation's commitment for reducing carbon emissions by 50% from 2005 levels by 2050, airplanes need the capability to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels well before 2050.
"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," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal. "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."
Boeing's commitment is to determine what changes are required for its current and future commercial airplanes to fly on 100% sustainable fuels, and to work with regulatory authorities and across the industry to raise the blending limit for expanded use.
"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," Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond said. "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."
Boeing has been a pioneer in making sustainable aviation fuels a reality, partnering globally with airlines, industry, governments and research institutions to expand limited supplies and reduce the fuels' cost. Boeing worked with airlines, engine manufacturers and others to conduct biofuel test flights starting in 2008 and gain approval for sustainable fuels in 2011. In 2018, the Boeing ecoDemonstrator flight-test program made the world's first commercial airplane flight using 100% sustainable fuels with a 777 Freighter, in collaboration with FedEx Express.
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. Sustainability of the fuels is assured through strong, credible sustainability certifications through third-party organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials.
For more information on Boeing's sustainability commitments, visit www.boeing.com/sustainability.
Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Contact:
Paul McElroy
Global Enterprise Sustainability
+1 (425) 283-7740
paul.mcelroy2@boeing.com
Jessica Kowal
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 (206) 660-6849
jessica.m.kowal@boeing.com
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