Boeing promises sustainable fuels fleet by 2030

Rather than being derived from petroleum, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is produced using renewable feedstocks such as cooking oil, animal fats, non-edible plants and agricultural waste. It is claimed to reduce lifecycle fuel emissions by up to 80 per cent compared to traditional jet fuel, but under current regulations, planes are not permitted to fly with anything higher than a 50/50 blend of SAF and conventional fuel.

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With the aviation industry having committed to dramatically reducing its carbon emission by 2050, the proportion of SAF that aircraft use in their fuel mix will have to rise. Boeing says that – by 2030 – all its commercial aircraft will be certified and compatible to fly with 100 per cent SAF.

"Our industry and customers are committed to addressing climate change, and sustainable aviation fuels are the safest and most measurable solution to reduce aviation carbon emissions in the coming decades," said Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.