The Air Transport Association of America (ATA) says the acceptance by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) of a new specification for synthetic aviation fuel is a "watershed" event.
This step by the ASTM Aviation Fuels Subcommittee sets the stage for the blended fuel to receive full ASTM approval by the fall of this year.
“The action of the ASTM subcommittee is a landmark step for all consumers of jet fuel,” said ATA President and CEO James C. May. “It signals the beginning of a new era for widespread production and use of cleaner, alternative fuels that not only will help the airline industry meet its environmental goals but also will provide airlines with more competitive options for purchasing jet fuel while simultaneously enhancing U.S. energy security.”
The latest ASTM action has approved a process for various classes of alternative fuels to be added to the jet fuel specification, while specifically supporting synthetic fuels derived from the Fischer-Tropsch process to be the first alternative included under the specification. Once approved by ASTM, this synthetic fuel can be blended up to 50 percent with conventional,
petroleum-derived jet fuel and used by commercial air carriers and private aviation operators, as well as in military applications.
ASTM International was formed over a century ago when a group of engineers and scientists got together to address frequent rail breaks in the burgeoning U.S. railroad industry. Their work led to standardization on the steel used in rail construction, ultimately improving railroad safety for the public.
Today, standards developed at ASTM are the work of over 30,000 members representing producers, users, consumers, government and academia from over 120 countries.
Source : Air Cargo Word
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