Boeing Commits to Deliver Commercial Airplanes Ready to Fly on 100% Sustainable Fuels

Rhea-AI Summary

Boeing (NYSE: BA) aims to lead sustainability in aviation by ensuring its commercial airplanes can fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030. This initiative comes as a response to the climate change crisis, with sustainable fuels promising up to 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions. Boeing has conducted successful test flights using these fuels and is committed to working with various stakeholders to increase blending limits. The company's long history in biofuels has positioned it as a pioneer in this area, further emphasizing its commitment to sustainability.

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• Ambitious target to have airplanes capable of flying on 100% sustainable fuels by 2030.
• Successful test flights have demonstrated the potential of sustainable aviation fuels to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions.
• Long history of innovation and partnerships in sustainable aviation fuels, enhancing its market position.

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• None.

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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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

What is Boeing's target for sustainable aviation fuels?

Boeing aims for its commercial airplanes to fly on 100% sustainable aviation fuels by 2030.

How much can sustainable aviation fuels reduce CO₂ emissions?

Sustainable aviation fuels can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80% over their life cycle.

What are Boeing's commitments regarding sustainable aviation fuels?

Boeing is committed to working with regulators and stakeholders to ensure its airplanes can utilize 100% sustainable fuels.

When did Boeing conduct its first test flight with sustainable aviation fuels?

Boeing began biofuel test flights in 2008, conducting its first commercial flight using 100% sustainable fuels in 2018.

What feedstocks can be used for sustainable aviation fuels?

Sustainable aviation fuels can be made from non-edible plants, agricultural waste, and other environmental byproducts.