Airbus, China partner to develop bio-fuel

Airbus and Tsinghua University, China have begun sustainability analysis studies to determine how best to speed up the commercialisation of alternative aviation fuel sources.

The assessment of Chinese feedstocks and the development of a value chain will support the advancement of alternative fuel solutions for the world’s fastest growing aviation market, China.
A full analysis is expected to be completed by early 2013.

Airbus and China aim to increase the scale of the fuel production process to achieve sustainable quantities of aviation fuel for future commercial use.

“We are privileged to be working with our Chinese partners to determine how best we can contribute to a sustainable aviation sector in China,” Airbus new energies programme manager Frédéric Eychenne said.

“The commercialisation of alternative fuels is one of the essential ingredients in our quest to achieving ambitious environmental targets in aviation.”

Tsinghua University’s Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy director and project manager Professor Zhang Xiliang was grateful for Airbus’ support.

“The project will help us improve the understanding of the nature of aviation biofuels commercialisation in China, identify the opportunities and challenges, and evaluate the possibility of social, economic, market and technology change and its cost, obstacles and challenges,” Mr Xiliang said.

Airbus has hopes of establishing a value chain on every continent by the close of 2012.
Thus far Airbus has value chains in Latin America, Australia, Europe and the Middle East.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia