Boeing will begin offering airlines and operators the option of powering their new commercial jet with biofuel for the flight home.

The programme is designed to further spur the use of sustainable aviation fuels and support the aviation industry’s drive to protect the environment.

The biofuel option will be available for customers accepting new aeroplanes at Boeing’s delivery centres in Seattle and Everett, Washington.

The company also plans to use biofuel for certain flight tests at its Boeing Field facility, while working to offer the same option at its South Carolina Delivery Center.

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines, the first participant in the programme, will use a blend of biofuel made by World Energy and traditional fuel when it takes delivery of three Boeing 737 MAX planes this year.

“This is another step in our decade-long journey to encourage the adoption of sustainable fuels and help commercial aviation earn its license to keep growing,” said Sheila Remes, vice president of strategy at Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We have great customers such as Alaska Airlines that have made good progress in adopting the use of biofuels. We hope this new option will make it easier for them and others to demonstrate our industry’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions.”

World Energy produces the biofuel at its refinery in Paramount, California, which is the world’s first facility designed to commercially produce renewable jet fuel. Made from agriculture waste, the fuel is certified for commercial use and can be blended with traditional jet fuel without modifications to planes, engines or fuelling infrastructure.

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