SAO PAULO, May 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE:
BA] and Embraer S.A. (BM&F Bovespa: EMBR3, NYSE: ERJ) today
announced that they will open a joint research center to advance a
sustainable aviation biofuel industry in Brazil.
Under a memorandum of understanding, the two companies will
perform joint biofuel research, as well as fund and coordinate
research with Brazilian universities and other institutions. The
research will focus on technologies that address gaps in a supply
chain for sustainable aviation biofuel in Brazil, such as feedstock production and
processing technologies. The companies' biofuel research center
will be located in Sao Jose dos Campos Technology Park.
"Boeing is working aggressively around the world to expand the
supply of sustainable aviation biofuel and reduce aviation's carbon
emissions," said Julie Felgar,
managing director of Environmental Strategy and Integration, Boeing
Commercial Airplanes. "With our joint biofuel research center,
Boeing and Embraer are making a strong commitment toward a
successful, sustainable aviation biofuel industry in Brazil."
"Embraer is committed in supporting the development of
sustainable biofuels for aviation and the joint efforts with Boeing
will undoubtedly contribute to the company continuing to be in the
forefront of research in this area," says Mauro Kern, Executive Vice President,
Engineering and Technology, Embraer. "Brazil has tradition in the area of
alternative fuels and enormous potential yet to be explored in
bioenergy research."
"Boeing and Embraer have a tremendous opportunity to work
together to enhance Brazil's
aviation biofuel capabilities, as well as the global industry's
access to aviation biofuel," said Al
Bryant, vice president, Boeing Research &
Technology-Brazil.
In 2013, Boeing, Embraer and the Fundacao de Amparo a
Pesquisa of the State of Sao Paulo
(FAPESP) completed an action plan – Flightpath to Aviation Biofuels
in Brazil – that identified gaps
in a potential biofuel supply chain. The joint research between
Boeing and Embraer will help address those gaps.
When produced sustainably, aviation biofuel emits 50 to 80
percent lower carbon emissions through its lifecycle than petroleum
jet fuel. Globally, more than 1,500 passenger flights using biofuel
have been conducted since the fuel was approved for use in
2011.
Contacts:
Jessica Kowal
Environment Communications
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 206 660 6849
jessica.m.kowal@boeing.com
Ana Paula Ferreira
Boeing Brazil Communications
+55 (11) 9-6644-5411
ana.p.ferreira@boeing.com
SOURCE Boeing