ILA 2012 – International experts ask policymakers to set course towards rapid market introduction of alternative aviation fuels

High ranking representatives from industry, politics and science from Germany, Europe and the USA today discussed the future of alternative fuels in aviation at an international conference as part of the International Berlin Air Show, ILA. Only one day after the US – German intergovernmental agreement on future cooperation concerning alternative aviation fuels was signed by Federal Minister of Transport, Dr. Peter Ramsauer, and US Ambassador, Philip D. Murphy, the conference quickly made clear what it is that alternative aviation fuels need in future: to set a clear political course and to create reliable framework conditions.

CEO of EADS, Thomas Enders, got to the heart of the matter in his welcome speech: “We will be able to achieve many things in aviation within a few years that seem unthinkable today, if clear decisions are made and if the right political course is set now. Alternative aviation fuels are only at the beginning of their development. Many things are possible, if policymakers, the industry and science strengthen their cooperation to shape the future of alternative aviation fuels.” Matthias Ruete, the Director General for Mobility and Transport of the European Commission highlighted the objectives of the European Union as part of its Flightpath 2050 Programme: “Alternative aviation fuels not only play an important role in Transatlantic traffic, but also in achieving sustainable air transport in Europe.”

Subsequently, at several podiums, around 200 experts discussed issues of licensing, technology and sustainability of alternative aviation fuels as well as infrastructure requirements and financing. The conference, which was jointly organised by aireg and its US sister organisation CAAFI, thus advanced on the spot to the most important conference on alternative aviation fuels in Germany.

Siegfried Knecht, chairman of aireg’s management board commented on the results of the conference and was visibly satisfied with the outcome: “The conference has underlined what aireg made clear in its strategy paper. Raw material supplies must come from different sources and must be sustainable. We must make sure that food and fuel do not compete with one another, but rather complement one another optimally. What we need is the support of policymakers to make the production and the market introduction of alternative aviation fuels competitive.”

Until Sunday, leading biofuel manufacturers and technology providers will be presenting
themselves in hall 1 at the ILA.