The industry trade organization Airlines for America (A4A) is espousing the benefits of the recent approval and publication of a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) specification enabling environmentally friendly jet fuels.
The specification was approved and published by one of the largest standards-development organizations in the world, ASTM International, with support from the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI), which A4A co-founded 14 years ago.
The stipulation establishes criteria for production and use of what is referred to as catalytic hydrothermolysis jet fuel (CHJ), a type of synthetic kerosene, officials said, adding the standard provides CHJ fuel, which was developed by Applied Research Associates (ARA), may be blended at up to 50 percent by volume with conventional jet fuel.
“The development and deployment of sustainable aviation fuels is a critical part of the U.S. airline industry’s continuing commitment to reducing our carbon emissions,”
Nancy Young, A4A vice president, Environmental Affairs, said. “The new standard provides another important pathway for SAF production. The more pathways we have, the more SAF that can be produced and used to sustainably power our planes.”
Young said A4A commends ASTM International, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, the airframe and engine manufacturers, the U.S. military, jet fuel producers and the CAAFI team for continuing to advance the commercialization and deployment of SAF to help the aviation industry meet its emissions reduction goals.