BEIJING, Oct. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Air China, Boeing (NYSE: BA), and Chinese and U.S. aviation energy partners today conducted China’s first sustainable biofuel flight. The two-hour mainland flight from Beijing Capital International Airport was witnessed by officials from both countries and highlights the viability of using sustainable aviation biofuel sourced in China.

“Through our collaborative efforts with China we have found an incredible partner and place where national capability, innovation and technology come together in a remarkable way,” said Boeing China President Marc Allen. “This historic flight illustrates exactly how bilateral collaboration can help address environmental challenges, and we commend the Chinese for their leadership in helping to develop sustainable aviation solutions.”

PetroChina, working with Honeywell’s UOP, sourced and refined the China-grown, jatropha-based biofuel used for today’s flight aboard a Boeing 747-400 powered by Pratt & Whitney engines. China National Aviation Fuel blended the biofuel with traditional jet fuel and also provided aircraft fueling support.

China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) and Boeing also announced an agreement for further study of regional biofuel development. The study results will help support future efforts to establish a sustainable aviation biofuels industry in China, and also form the foundation for an announced renewable energy agreement between the U.S. Trade and Development Agency and the NEA.

Air China and Boeing are already working plans for an international flight between the U.S. and China fueled by sustainable biofuel, which will highlight increasing cooperation on renewable energy development between the two countries.

“The recent success of our biofuel initiatives with government, energy and aviation organizations in China and around the world underscores the tremendous support that exists for the macro-economic benefits and value aviation provides through its unique ability to connect people, cultures, goods and services,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President of Environment and Aviation Policy, Billy Glover. “Working closely with the Chinese and U.S. energy agencies we can reduce carbon emissions in the two largest aviation markets, while helping to ensure sustainable industry growth.”

The China-Boeing aviation partnership dates back nearly a century, with more than half of all commercial jets operating in China today being Boeing aircraft. Boeing and its partners, including the US-China Energy Cooperation Program, are now jointly addressing the challenges of sustainability and working to establish a pathway for China to create a sustainable aviation biofuel industry. Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Boeing Research & Technology are at the forefront of the global effort to expand aviation’s fuel supply through sustainable options.

Source and photo: Boeing