“Green diesel” a sustainable jet fuel: Boeing

January 14, 2014, Seattle, Wash. –
Boeing has identified "green diesel," a renewable fuel used in ground
transportation, as a significant new source of sustainable aviation biofuel
that emits at least 50 percent less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel over its
lifecycle. The company is working with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration
and other stakeholders to gain approval for aircraft to fly on green diesel,
further reducing the aviation industry's carbon emissions.

Boeing researchers performed analysis that found green diesel, which is made
from oils and fats, to be chemically similar to today's aviation biofuel. If
approved, the fuel could be blended directly with traditional jet fuel.

"Green diesel approval would be a major breakthrough in the availability
of competitively priced, sustainable aviation fuel," said Dr. James
Kinder, a Technical Fellow in Boeing Commercial Airplanes Propulsion Systems
Division. "We are collaborating with our industry partners and the
aviation community to move this innovative solution forward and reduce the
industry's reliance on fossil fuel."

Significant green diesel production capacity already exists in the U.S., Europe
and Singapore that could supply as much as 1 percent – about 600 million
gallons – of global commercial jet fuel demand. The wholesale cost – about $3 a
gallon with U.S. government incentives – is competitive with petroleum jet
fuel.

Boeing, the FAA, engine manufacturers, green diesel producers and others are
now compiling a detailed research report that will be submitted to key
stakeholders in the fuel approvals process. These efforts follow Boeing's
leadership in working with the aviation community in 2011 to include a blend of
up to 50 percent aviation biofuel in international jet fuel specifications.
Biofuel approved for aviation must meet or exceed stringent jet fuel
performance requirements.

"Boeing wants to establish new pathways for sustainable jet fuel, and this
green diesel initiative is a groundbreaking step in that long journey,"
said Julie Felgar, managing director of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
Environmental Strategy and Integration. "To support our customers,
industry and communities, Boeing will continue to look for opportunities to
reduce aviation's environmental footprint."

Green diesel, also called "renewable diesel," can be used in any
diesel engine. It is chemically different and a different product than the fuel
known as "biodiesel."