Air China, Boeing and Partners Conduct Biofuel Flight

Air China, Boeing, and Chinese and U.S. aviation energy partners have conducted China’s first sustainable biofuel flight.

The two-hour mainland flight which took off from Beijing Capital International Airport late last week was witnessed by officials from both countries and highlights the viability of using sustainable aviation biofuel sourced in China.

“Through our collaborative efforts with China we have found an incredible partner and place where national capability, innovation and technology come together in a remarkable way,” said Boeing China President, Marc Allen. “This historic flight illustrates exactly how bilateral collaboration can help address environmental challenges, and we commend the Chinese for their leadership in helping to develop sustainable aviation solutions.”

PetroChina, working with Honeywell’s UOP, sourced and refined the China-grown, jatropha-based biofuel used for the flight aboard a Boeing 747-400 powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. China National Aviation Fuel blended the biofuel with traditional jet fuel and also provided aircraft fueling support.

China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) and Boeing have agreed on further study of regional biofuel development. The study results will help support future efforts to establish a sustainable aviation biofuels industry in China, and also form the foundation for an announced renewable energy agreement between the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the NEA.

Air China and Boeing are already working plans for an international flight between the U.S. and China fueled by sustainable biofuel, which will highlight increasing cooperation on renewable energy development between the two countries.

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