Boeing, EADS Make Biofuel News This Week.

The Seattle Post Intelligencer (6/17, Cohen) "Aerospace News" blog reported, "Boeing and EADS have both made biofuel news this week." A Royal Netherlands Air Force Boeing AH-64D Apache helicopter became the first rotorcraft to use biofuels derived "from algae-based biomass and used cooking oil" that required no modifications to the helicopter. Meanwhile, "On Thursday, EADS and its Eurocopter subsidiary announced they would evaluate creation of production facility for algae-based aviation biofuel in Brazil with BioCombustibles del Chubut."

Pacific NW will examine using biofuels for jets

(Bloomberg, 07/14/10) Major airports in the Pacific Northwest are joining Boeing Co., Alaska Airlines and Washington State University to study how biomass sources might produce aviation fuel. The six-month study announced Monday will look at how a biofuels industry might be created in the Northwest and used to power jet fleets. Portland International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International and Spokane International will take part. Boeing has said that by 2015, it and other aircraft makers and airlines want to use biofuels for 1 percent of annual fuel consumption - about 500 million to 600 million gallons. Among the possible fuel sources are algae, wood byproducts and farm crops. Proponents say biofuels could eliminate millions of tons of greenhouse gases.

Biofuels "Hot Topic" At Green Air Show.

The New York Times (7/19, Brett) website reported on the second Green Air Show that took place last month. "Alongside the makers of solar-powered planes, flying robots and airships...the 52 participants in the salon included the engine maker Snecma and European Aeronautic Defense & Space proof that the mainstream is getting involved." Paul Steele, Executive Director of the Air Transport Action Group, noted some of the technology being developed, but "said his group is lobbying for quick implementation of the European 'Single Sky' coordinated control program and the US Next Generation air traffic management project" which would have more environmental benefits than any plane technology. However, the "hot topic" at the conference was biofuels. Steele said it is "probably the most exciting area that is developing quickly."