Abstract

IATA strongly supports the use of alternative fuels (AF) in aviation.  Since 2006, IATA has published an annual Report on Alternative Fuels that covers many aspects of AF use in aviation.  This talk will discuss the latest edition, including a description of American and European alternative fuels programs (SWAFEA, ALFA-BIRD, DESC, etc.), sustainability criteria resulting from the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels, the new ASTM D7566 specification for alternative jet fuel, 2009 flight trials using AF, and the financial costs of biofuel production (biomass to liquid vs. hydrotreated renewable jet).  It is concluded that although many barriers to the adoption of biofuels have been overcome, government incentives will be necessary to help this industry compete with petroleum.

Biography

Jorin has a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University, where he investigated the combustion properties of aluminum based fuels.  He has worked as a consultant investigating explosions and shock waves for clients such as Westinghouse and Defense Research and Development Canada.  Between 2006 and 2009, Jorin worked as an engineer in Seattle and San Francisco with biodiesel startup Whole Energy Fuels.  His tasks included overseeing distribution and quality control, as well as plant design and permitting.  Since 2009 Jorin has worked with the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where he prepared the IATA 2009 Report on Alternative Fuels.  He is currently working on alternative fuel strategy from IATA’s headquarters in Montreal.