ASTM aviation fuel subcommittee OK’s synthetic Fischer-Tropsch jet fuel

The aviation fuels subcommittee of ASTM International OK’d the D-XXXX standard for synthetic jet fuel for commercial aviation use. The new jet fuel specification now moves to the full ASTM committee and, if no negative vote is received, the fuel could be certified as soon as this fall. The specification covers a 50/50 blend of synthetic Fischer-Tropsch fuels and petroleum-derived fuels, such as made in the US by Rentech.

The subcommittee is expected to commence consideration of ASTM is expected to consider bio-SPKs, also known as hydrotreated renewable jet fuel, as soon as next year based on data supplied by Air New Zealand, Continental Airlines, Japan Airlines and a consortium of suppliers. These tests were conducted in from Dec 08-Jan 09.

D. Hunt Ramsbottom, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rentech, stated, “Rentech is pleased by ASTM International’s progress on certifying synthetic fuels. With the subcommittee’s approval, RenJet is one step away from regulatory acceptance and use by commercial aviation.”

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