BioFuelNet Canada has entered into an agreement with Airbus and Air Canada for the production of sustainable alternative jet fuels.
The first assessment is expected to begin by the end of this year.
The agreement was announced at the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) Aviation and Environment workshop in Montreal.
The partnership will focus on a range of raw materials such as municipal solid waste and agricultural and forestry waste, as well as different conversion processes available for the production of alternative fuel.
In addition, it will also allow the exploration of innovative new pathways and the overall sustainability of solutions.
Airbus and Air Canada are part of a broad coalition, which has pledged carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and to reduce greenhouse emissions by 50% by 2050.
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By GlobalDataBioFuelNet president and McGill University professor Donald Smith said: "Aviation biofuels are one of the most promising ways to reduce the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, making air travel more environmentally friendly."
Airbus New Energies programme manager Frédéric Eychenne said that any new alternative fuel has to work on existing and future aircraft without modification, while meeting certification requirements.
"Airbus supports this project to ensure that the solutions are sustainable, affordable and technically suitable for all aircraft," he said.
Air Canada fuel purchasing and supply director Paul Whitty said that the carrier has already operated two flights with biofuel, with a significant reduction in emissions observed on both occasions.
"Encouraged by these results, we look forward to participating in this project to encourage the development of a source of alternative fuel in Canada," said Whitty, who is also chairman of the Air Canada alternative fuels working group.
"New technologies, such as alternative fuels, are one of the ways our industry plans to reduce its emissions to meet its target of carbon-neutral growth for 2020 and beyond," Whitty added.
In June 2012, Airbus and Air Canada conducted North America’s first ‘Perfect Flight’ over international borders, while cutting CO2 emissions by more than 40% compared with a regular flight.
The commercial flight from Toronto, Canada to Mexico City, used modern aircraft technology, sustainable alternative fuels, streamlined air traffic management and best practice operations, including single-engine taxiing.
BioFuelNet was established in 2012 as part of the federal networks of centres of excellence programme, which funds BioFuelNet through a $25m grant over five years.
It brings together 74 leading researchers working on advanced biofuels in Canada, as well as industry partners and government, in order to accelerate research, development, and commercialisation of advanced biofuels.
Image: The officials of BioFuelNet, Airbus and Air Canada shake hands after signing the agreement to develop sustainable aviation fuels. Photo: courtesy of BioFuelNet Canada Inc.
