Greenair Online. Air China and Boeing have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the intention of carrying out a trans-Pacific flight between China and the US using a 50:50 blend of biojet and Jet A fuel. The trans-Pacific flight will follow China’s first biofuel demonstration flight planned for the second half of this year.
The sustainably-sourced biofuel for the trans-Pacific flight will be produced both in the US and China to test and compare the respective qualities and capabilities of the fuels. In addition to Boeing, Air China will collaborate on the project with PetroChina, Honeywell’s UOP, Pratt & Whitney and other partners.
The demonstration flight will help verify the feasibility, supply capacity and commercial potential of Chinese-produced biofuel that meets ASTM fuel standards, and aims to build a platform for an industrial supply chain in the country, says Air China. The Department of Airworthiness Certification at the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) will track the fuel production process and carry out inspections before issuing approval for the biofuels to be used on the demonstration flight. Based on its experience, CAAC will begin the process of establishing national standards in aviation biofuel production.
The airline says the intention for the trans-Pacific flight is for all engines—an industry first for a biofuel flight—to be powered by a 50-50 blend, although it is uncertain whether the aircraft to be used will be a four-engined 747-400 or a new twin-engined 777-300ER currently on order from Boeing. An Air China representative told GreenAir Online that a proposed date for the flight is dependent on acquiring at least 100 tonnes of fuel for the 10-hour flight.