Biofuels Digest Special Report on Aviation Biofuels: Aircraft Manufacturers

Airbus and Boeing have announced radically different timelines for the widespread adoption of biofuels in commercial aviation. The vice-president and general counsel of Airbus projected an eight to ten year timeline for full certification of biofuels.  Boeing managing director of environmental strategy Billy Glover said that he expected to see fuel certification by 2013. Glover added that he expected algae to be the primary feedstock for aviation biofuels within 10 to 15 years.

Both companies, however,  confirmed in a Business Week roundup on biofuels and sustainable aviation that they are continuing at full speed with their biofuels-oriented plans despite the economic downturn. The companies confirmed that they need to think in the long-term about sustainable aviation, and were looking as far down the road as 2045 in laying out plans for biofuels.Boeing biofuels chief Billy Glover commented that, if airlines make the plans and adjustments now while oil prices are still hovering at $50 per barrel, they will be in a stronger position if and when oil returns to the $100+ price range.

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