Biofuel Resource Center

Fuel Requirements

Must have the same energy content and performance

In order for sustainable biofuels to be a viable solution for aviation, they must have the same energy content and perform the same or better than today's aviation fuel, known as "Jet-A".

Must work in existing infrastructure

Sustainable aviation biofuels must also work in the existing aviation infrastructure - requiring no change to airplanes, engines or fueling mechanisms. In addition, to be practical, sustainable aviation biofuel must be able to mix with Jet-A fuel so that airlines would be able to use blends until production is fully ramped up.

Sustainable, scalable and affordable processing methods must exist

Processing methods must be scalable, sustainable and affordable Boeing and its partners are demonstrating that sustainable biofuels meet all of the above criteria. Test results show that sustainable aviation biofuels have the following properties:

• Have equal to or greater energy content than today's Jet-A fuel
• Perform as well or better than today's Jet-A fuel; they meet ASTM D 1655 Table 1 specification, blended at percentages as high as 75% bio-derived fuel component.
• Work in the existing aviation structure and can mix with Jet-A fuel
• Can be produced from sustainable, scalable and affordable processing methods