In a statement released on Monday, Boeing said that they would continue their decades-long association with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (MHI) by jointly researching sustainable technologies – including hydrogen, electrification, and sustainable materials for future aircraft design. The agreement will also see them study available technologies for sustainable aircraft fuels (SAFs).
Chief Strategy Officer for MHI, Dr Hitoshi Kaguchi, stated that the company is proud to be partnering with the leading aerospace company.
“Realising a Carbon Neutral society is essential for the future of our planet,” Dr. Kaguchi said.
“We believe that as a technology leader, with a proven track record in the field of decarbonisation, it is MHI’s responsibility to be a leader in the fight against climate change. Through our group products, technologies, and services that help reduce CO2 emissions, and in collaboration with partners around the world.”
Mitsubishi says they have a ‘responsibility’ to be leaders in climate action @Maki Shiraki/Reuters
Boeing says we must bring innovative minds together
Chief Sustainability Officer at Boeing, Chris Raymond, showed just as much enthusiasm for the new partnership as they aim to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
“To ensure the benefits of aerospace remain available for generations to come, we must bring innovative minds together for maximum progress toward the industry’s bold climate change goals,” Mr. Raymond said.
“MHI is a leader in developing innovative, sustainable technologies with a strong commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We are honoured to partner with them and are united in our ambition to develop a sustainable future of flight.”
What are SAFs
There has been much recent discussion in the aviation industry about Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) as companies around the globe announce their intention to examine and develop these said fuels.
But what are they exactly? As explained by our Travel Radar reporter, Tommaso Baliani, SAFs are bio-fuels that have a similar chemical structure to the traditional aviation jet fuel but have 80% lower carbon emissions. Produced by processing used in feedstock, cooking oil and miscellaneous byproducts of many different productions from different industries that process organic products, much like the squirt of ethanol in the E10 you may put in your car.
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