Two Organizations Praise Approval Of Bio Fuel Specs
The Air Transport
Association of America (ATA), and The Aerospace Industries
Association (AIA) Thursday offered enthusiastic support for the
approval by the fuels subcommittee of ASTM International of a new
specification for alternative jet fuel from the Fischer-Tropsch
process.
The subcommittee's approval means that this fuel has cleared a
significant milestone. Once approved by ASTM, and accepted by the
Federal Aviation Administration, synthetic paraffinic kerosene from
the Fischer-Tropsch process (FT-SPK) can be blended with
conventional fuels and used as a substitute to crude oil-derived
jet fuel by airlines, private aviation and the military.
As a founder of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels
Initiative, a government-industry partnership working toward the
development of cleaner, more affordable fuel options, AIA and many
of its members have been actively engaged in the advancement of
alternative aviation fuels.
Approval of FT-SPK will pave the way for near-term approval of
sustainable, plant-based biofuels that hold great promise for
significantly lowering aviation's carbon footprint on a lifecycle
basis. It will send a strong signal to those developing alternative
jet fuel technologies and production facilities that there is a
clear path to market for cleaner fuels that combat global warming
and enable future aviation growth.
"The action of the ASTM
subcommittee is a landmark step for all consumers of jet fuel,"
said ATA President and CEO James C. May. "It signals the beginning
of a new era for widespread production and use of cleaner,
alternative fuels that not only will help the airline industry meet
its environmental goals but also will provide airlines with more
competitive options for purchasing jet fuel while simultaneously
enhancing U.S. energy security."
ATA strongly supports the rigorous testing and review that this
type of fuel has received to ensure that it meets or exceeds
current standards for safety and performance. ATA has been a vocal
advocate for alternative aviation fuels, and is a founding member
of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative
(CAAFI).
"ATA is grateful, in particular, for the technical input and
leadership that FAA has shown as chair of the ASTM International
Aviation Fuels Subcommittee. It has been a true team effort," said
May.
This step by ASTM, a standards development organization, sets
the stage for the blended fuel to receive full ASTM approval by the
fall of this year.