AirAsia Keen on Introducing Biofuel-Powered Flights
by Rahimi Yunus (Malaysian Reserve) CEO says R&D into aviation biofuels requires studies on how the alternative fuel burns compared to kerosene-based jet fuels — Low-cost carrier AirAsia Group Bhd could be introducing biofuel-powered flights in the future with research and development (R&D) underway as airlines want to cut jet fuel costs and reduce carbon emissions.
Group CEO Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes said the airline is keen to get further involved in aviation biofuels, but the company may not be able to do that on its own. Fernandes said such R&D into aviation biofuels requires studies on how the alternative fuel burns compared to kerosene-based jet fuels.
He said technical support from airframe maker Airbus SE would facilitate the progress of the aviation biofuels development for the group.
“It is too early to comment right now, but obviously, we as an airline would like to do more in biofuels. We cannot do it alone. So, it is great that Airbus supports our vision of trying to get biofuels into the aircraft. Hopefully, that dream is not so far away with Airbus’ support,” Fernandes said after the signing ceremony of AirAsia’s 42 new aircraft orders with Airbus in Kuala Lumpur last Friday.
At the same ceremony, Airbus announced that the company will also increase its participation in the Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) by providing more funds for joint research programmes including aviation biofuels in Malaysia.
This is part of its US$120 million (RM505 million) planned investments announced last week which comprise three initiatives to boost Malaysia’s aviation and aerospace industry.
The three initiatives are to expand its wholly owned maintenance facility Sepang Aircraft Engineering Sdn Bhd, establish the Airbus Malaysia Digital Initiative and increase participation in AMIC.
AirAsia has played a key role in identifying these initiatives and worked together with Airbus at its initial stage.
Under the initiatives for AMIC, Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury said the programmes benefitting from additional funding would include subjects such as alternative and sustainable aviation biofuels. READ MORE