Airline profits potentially boosted by the use of biofuels derived from animal fat?
In a bid to combat the volatile fuel prices that have plagued the aviation industry for the past decade, several key players have joined forces to explore environmentally friendly alternatives. This coalition, known as the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), includes major airlines, government bodies, manufacturers, fuel suppliers, universities, airports, and other stakeholders.
One of the founding and principal members of CAAFI is Airlines for America (A4A), which is actively working towards developing these alternative fuels to enhance the nation's energy supply and reduce emissions. The availability of these alternatives, however, depends on governmental support, technological developments, and investor interest.
Currently, CAAFI is focusing on accelerating the adoption, development, and certification of alternative fuels. Their studies encompass supply chain integration, fuel performance, and lifecycle emissions assessments. The initiative's current focus areas include three alternative fuels: Hydrotreated Renewable Jet (HRJ) Fuels, Fischer-Tropsch Fuels, and Renewable Synthesized Iso-Paraffinic (SIP) Fuels.
These alternative fuels are produced in various ways. HRJ Fuels are created by refining natural plant oils or animal fats, converting them from lipids to hydrocarbons. Fischer-Tropsch Fuels, on the other hand, are produced by converting a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide derived from coal, methane, or biomass to liquid fuels. SIP Fuels are produced from hydroprocessed fermented sugars.
Notable demonstrations of these alternative fuels have already taken place. In 2011, Alaska Airlines began testing biofuels, using a 20% blend of sustainable biofuel made from used cooking oil. Continental Airlines conducted a demonstration flight using a biofuel blend including components derived from algae and jatropha plants. More recently, Southwest Airlines signed a $3 million deal with Red Rocks Biofuels LLC to buy low-carbon renewable jet fuel made from forest residues using the Fischer-Tropsch process.
CAAFI predicts that environmentally friendly alternative jet fuel from various feedstocks will be available to airlines within the next 2 to 5 years. These fuels could potentially reduce price volatility for airlines and their customers, while bringing significant environmental benefits. As the aviation industry continues to grapple with fluctuating fuel prices, the development and adoption of sustainable aviation fuels could offer a promising solution for the future.
