Airbus Group and Emerging Fuels Technology have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to work together on commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel technologies.

Airbus Group chairman Allan McArtor said: "Airbus Group’s global position as an innovation leader in the aviation industry enables us to help the sustainable fuels industry to understand the wants, needs and requirements specific to commercial airline markets.

"It is good for our industry and good for business, and most importantly it’s very good for the environment."

Sustainable aviation fuels are made using biomass, municipal solid waste, natural gas, and other non-fossil feedstock.

"It is good for our industry and good for business, and most importantly it’s very good for the environment."

Compared with conventional fuels, the sustainable fuels are said to reduce CO2 emissions on a lifecycle basis.

EFT has developed an advanced fixed bed (AFB) Fischer-Tropsch reactor and catalyst system, which is designed to convert synthesis gas from carbonaceous feedstock into transportation fuels.

EFT president Kenneth Agee said: "We look forward to interacting with all the stakeholders in the aviation supply chain and believe our relationships with Airbus Group and Black & Veatch will help enable broad global development of sustainable/renewable aviation fuel facilities."

The company has recently partnered with Black & Veatch to promote use of EFT’s technologies into sustainable fuels facilities.

Airbus is working to create a sustainable fuel supply roadmap, which will bring together farmers, refiners and airlines to form sustainable aviation fuel value chains.

The programmes are underway in Australia, Brazil, China, the Middle East, Romania and Spain.

Since May this year, more than 1,500 commercial flights worldwide have been powered by alternative fuels.

Defence Technology