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.

FMI: www.airlines.org, www.aia-aerospace.org/