18 November 2009
ICAO Conference on Alternative Airline Fuels Opens
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16 November 2009: Opening the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels, which is taking place from 16-18 November 2009, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin stressed that efficiency improvements can no longer be relied upon to meet the airline industry’s growing requirements to reduce greenhouse gas […]

Icao16 November 2009: Opening the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Conference on Aviation and Alternative Fuels, which is taking place from 16-18 November 2009, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, ICAO Secretary General Raymond Benjamin stressed that efficiency improvements can no longer be relied upon to meet the airline industry’s growing requirements to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
He stated that the future of alternative fuels for aviation rests on three building blocks: a marketplace fueled by sufficient industry demand; adequate infrastructure to ensure alternative fuel availability; and appropriate state financing for research and development. Benjamin also noted that facilitating access to technology, funding and capacity building is imperative for developing countries’ effective participation in such an endeavor.
The conference brings together leaders from the global aviation industry to establish a roadmap for the introduction of sustainably produced, GHG saving, alternative fuels. Participants will discuss alternative fuels’: environmental sustainability and interdependencies; technological feasibility and economic reasonableness; development and use support; and production and infrastructure. [Opening Address]