ASTM International, a standards-development organization, has approved a new bio-derived fuel annex that ensures the properties of a new fuel, produced from hydroprocessed fermented sugars, when blended with conventional jet fuel. When used, the blended fuel does not require changes to the aircraft or aircraft systems.
The previously approved alternative fuels are produced from plant oils and animal processing waste and conversion of biomass and fossil fuel feedstocks. Combined government and industry research and development efforts are resulting in alternative fuels that are likely to produce 80 percent lower lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions.
Developing sustainable alternative fuels is an integral part of the industry goal to achieve carbon neutral growth from the year 2020. It also contributes to the U.S. government goal of producing one billion gallons of alternative jet fuel by 2018. AIA supports the continued efforts to develop new fuel pathways that encourage increased commercial production of alternate fuels.