Have Signed Comprehensive MOUs To Negotiate Purchase Of Fuel
from AltAir, Rentech
A core group of 15 airlines has signed memoranda of
understanding (MOUs) with alternative fuel suppliers AltAir Fuels
and Rentech for a future supply of alternative aviation fuel, the
Air Transport Association of America, Inc. (ATA) announced
Tuesday.
Twelve airlines from the United States, Canada, Germany and
Mexico - Air Canada, American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines,
FedEx Express, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Mexicana
Airlines, Polar Air Cargo, United Airlines, UPS Airlines and US
Airways - have signed MOUs with both producers. In addition,
Seattle-based Alaska Airlines and Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines
signed the MOU with AltAir Fuels, and Orlando-based AirTran Airways
signed the MOU with Rentech.
The trade association says these alternative fuels will be
more environmentally friendly, on a life cycle basis, than today's
jet fuels. This domestically produced fuel will create jobs and
bolster U.S. energy independence.
"Today's announcement reinforces the proactive steps that
airlines are taking to stimulate competition in the aviation fuel
supply chain, contribute to the creation of green jobs, and promote
energy security through economically viable alternatives that also
demonstrate environmental benefits," said Glenn Tilton, ATA board
chairman and UAL Corporation and United Airlines chairman,
president and CEO. Tilton also noted that discussions with a number
of additional alternative-fuel producers about other projects are
underway, as are discussions with the U.S. military regarding other
cooperative opportunities.
"Our intention as an airline industry is to continue to do our
part by supporting the use of alternative fuels. We urge the U.S.
government and the investment community also to do their part to
further support this critical energy opportunity," said Tilton.
FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt said, "Today's announcements
reaffirm the airlines' commitment to a greener, more stable and
secure energy future, reinforcing the spirit of innovation and
openness that is the essence of the Commercial Aviation Alternative
Fuels Initiative."
AltAir Fuels Founder and CEO Tom Todaro said, "The airlines'
pledge to use renewable jet fuel sends a clear and unmistakable
message to policymakers, investors and industry leaders that AltAir
Fuels has entered a new era of more sustainable aviation."
"This agreement is a significant step forward, establishing a
framework for a large group of diverse carriers to negotiate a
definitive fuel purchase agreement," added D. Hunt Ramsbottom,
Rentech president and CEO
The AltAir Fuels project contemplates the production of
approximately 75 million gallons per year of jet fuel and diesel
fuel derived from camelina oils or comparable feedstock, refined at
a new AltAir Fuels plant to be located at the Tesoro refinery in
Anacortes, WA. The Rentech project in Adams County, MS,
contemplates the production of approximately 250 million gallons
per year of synthetic jet fuel derived principally from coal or
petroleum coke, with the resultant carbon dioxide sequestered and
the carbon footprint potentially further reduced by integrating
biomass as a feedstock.
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