Boeing is to open a new Boeing Research and Technology (BR&T) centre in Japan, focusing on sustainability.

The initiative will support a newly expanded cooperation agreement with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI).

Boeing and METI have agreed to broaden their 2019 Cooperation Agreement to now include a focus on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), electric and hydrogen powertrain technologies, and future flight concepts that will promote zero climate impact aviation.

That is in addition to exploring electric and hybrid-electric propulsion, batteries, and composite manufacturing that will enable new forms of urban mobility.

Future products and production systems

“We are excited to open our latest global research and technology centre here in Japan,” said Greg Hyslop, Boeing chief engineer and executive vice president of Engineering, Test & Technology.

“Working with terrific partners like METI, the new centre will expand upon Boeing-wide initiatives in sustainable fuels and electrification, and explore the intersection of digitisation, automation and high-performance aerospace composites for greater sustainability in our future products and production systems.”

The BR&T – Japan Research Center will be located in Nagoya, which is already home to many of Boeing’s major industrial partners and suppliers. The facility will further expand Boeing’s research and development footprint in the region, which includes centres in Australia, China and Korea.

ACT FOR SKY

Boeing is fully committed to supporting Japan’s SAF industry and has been accepted as the latest member of ACT FOR SKY, a voluntary organisation of 16 companies that works to commercialise, promote and expand the use of SAF produced in Japan.

Masahiro Aika, representative of ACT FOR SKY, said: “ACT FOR SKY welcomes the participation of Boeing. We look forward to Boeing collaborating with the other members to “ACT” for the commercialisation, promotion and expansion of SAF in Japan.”

Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond added: “To ensure the enormous societal benefits of aviation remain available for generations to come, we must continue to partner with capable innovators and leaders to support the industry’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

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