Assembly of Delegates and Business Forum Wrap Up: Getting Biojet to Scale

(Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials) ... On Thursday the 16^th, our Aviation Business Forum looked at the challenge of getting biojet to scale – with speakers and delegates from across the aviation industry represented. Our expert panels looked at the key challenges and opportunities that exist in commercialising aviation biofuels.

Professor Jack Saddler from the University of British Columbia, opened the panel discussion by sharing some research into the current state of biofuels, and verified it as the only viable alternative fuel for aviation.

Amy Malaki, from the Climateworks Foundation set the context of the growth expectations for the aviation sector scene by talking about the demand for flying which is set to double in under 20 years.

A range of experts from the various parts of the aviation supply chain participated in lively conversations by sharing their thoughts on the opportunities and benefits, risks and challenges in commercialising sustainable biojet fuel.

What was evident is that collaboration is vital, and our panelists highlighted the importance of extending opportunities to parts of the aviation industry and supply chain that might not have been engaged previously – specifically sovereign oil companies, which are governed by increasingly climate-focused national agendas and could influence mid-stream oil producers.

The role of other bioproducts and biomaterials was also highlighted, with panellists noting that biojet should not exist in a vacuum – and that developing aviation biofuels should be linked with the sustainable development of the bioeconomy. Innovative policies are needed too as technology influences supply chains and costs begin to drop. READ MORE