Several German airlines, together with EADS and other manufacturers, have joined forces with research groups and bioenergy producers in Germany to push for the widespread development and use of alternative fuels in the commercial aviation sector.

Air Berlin, Condor, Lufthansa, Munich Airport, MTU Aero Engines, Rolls-Royce Germany and EADS have teamed up with various German research organisations and biofuel specialists to form an association called Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany (Aireg).

"The initiative aims to promote the use of regenerative energy sources in aviation in Germany and create a sound basis for political decision-making with regard to the introduction of climate-friendly aviation fuels," said Aireg in a statement announcing its launch.

Aireg president Klaus Nittinger added: "With the founding of Aireg, we are at long last bundling national activities so as to achieve the challenging emission reduction targets for the aviation industry. A later expansion of activities to the European level remains conceivable at all times."

This is the latest in a string of efforts across the globe to help move the production of sustainable aviation fuels from small quantities to commercially viable levels.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news