By: qbrowell on 10/1/08
If it can be supplied, we'll use it...

Airlines would be delighted to use 20% biofuels by 2020 or even 100% if they will be available and cost competitive. But it is not up to the industry. It is down to the availability of such fuels. We don’t know whether there will be sufficient supply by 2020. So, rather than setting targets for airlines, governments should be providing incentives to develop sustainable biofuels that don’t compete for land with food crops and are safe. Once the fuel is certified, production needs to be ramped up. Along with advances in technology, the aviation industry sees sustainable biofuels as a key way to reduce its carbon footprint - which is why the industry is also working together to expedite the development of these fuels. Let's ensure we have a sufficient supply of biofuels before setting targets for their use.

Quentin Browell
International Air Transport Association, Geneva
www.enviro.aero/blog