ASTM provisionally approves air transport biofuel specification

The ASTM International Committee on Petroleum Products and Lubricants, which develops standards related to oil products, provisionally approved a new specification for hydroprocessed renewable jet fuel that could clear the way for biofuel blends to power commercial flights, according to US FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt.

"This is a significant step toward a new era of greener and more energy-independent air travel," he said in a Friday statement. "We anticipate publication of a standard in the next few weeks will open the door for production of commercial aviation biofuels that can be used without changing aircraft systems or airport fueling infrastructure." He credited the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuel Initiative (ATW, February 2010) for working "diligently to develop the fuel standard through thorough research and testing." Once finalized, the new specification will enable use of biofuel blends comprised of up to 50% by fuel generated from feedstocks such as camelina, jatropha or algae.

US Air Transport Assn. President and CEO Nicholas Calio said, "The committee endorsement of this specification is significant for all consumers of jet fuel, bringing the airline industry one step closer to of widespread production of cleaner, alternative fuels that will help meet our environmental goals while enhancing the security and competitiveness of our energy supply."

ATA explained that ASTM had "voted to approve the addition of a new bio-derived jet fuel annex to the alternative jet fuel specification D7566. This effectively concludes the technical review process, allowing for final issuance of the revised specification by August of this year."

Photo: US FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt