Airbus and RT-Biotekhprom (Rostec Group) signed a cooperation agreement to launch a large-scale analysis of Russian feedstock, and to evaluate how to speed up the development and commercialization of Sustainable Fuels for aviation. This breakthrough agreement was signed at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2013.

The partnership is aimed at assessing suitable feedstocks to comply with ecological, economic and social sustainability criteria. The sustainability analysis will be managed by Airbus in close collaboration with RT-Biotekhprom.

The goal of the study is to select a number of local sources of sustainable raw materials suitable for the production of aviation fuel.. By the end of 2014, the aim is to complete a full sustainability analysis. Airbus will have a key role in supporting RT-Biotekhprom in ensuring that the fuel produced meets international aviation standards, alongside completing relevant flight test campaigns.

“We are delighted to be working with our Russian partners RT-Biotekhprom. ” – said Christopher Buckley, Executive Vice-President Sales. “Sustainable fuels are a crucial part of the roadmap to meet the aviation industry’s ambitious CO2 targets. We believe that the findings of this important study, which will be done for the first time in Russia, will contribute to a sustainable aviation sector in Russia. Additionally, we will be able to share our expertise in this area for the benefit of Russian industry. “

“The project will help us to improve the understanding of aviation Biofuels commercialization in Russia, identify the opportunities and challenges, and evaluate the possibility of social, economic, market and technology change and its cost, obstacles and challenges. We believe that the research will have positive effects on energy conservation, emissions reduction and climate change addressing in the Russian aviation sector.” – said General Director RT-Biothekhprom Sergey Kraevoj

“We are delighted to be working with Airbus in this project. The decision for this partnership was based on the fact that we had necessary technologies and findings with regards to biomass recycling”, – said the project leader and advisor to General Director RT-Biothekhprom Konstantin Diespersov.

This partnership is part of an initiative to develop a complete sustainable aviation fuel production capability in Russia, using only sustainable resources. It is part of Airbus’ goal to have in place such a ‘value chain’ in every continent. So far Airbus has value chains in Latin America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and China.

Airbus press release