Secretary discusses alternative fuel initiative

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Marc Lane
  • 435th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
PARIS (AFPN) --  With more than 140 aircraft appearing at the Le Bourget Airport for the 47th International Paris Air Show, the future of jet fuel and rising cost of oil jet fuel were among the topics of keen interest.

A press conference held by the Secretary of the Air Force Michael W. Wynne and the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration Marion Blakey discussed alternative fuel developments that are being created and ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

During the conference Secretary Wynne outlined many goals for the future of fuel.

"The development and application of alternative fuels will not only save the United States money by becoming less reliant on petroleum fuel sources but also improve the future of the world by reducing pollution," he said.

The conference, held aboard a C-17 Globemaster III served as an example of one of the most fuel efficient cargo planes.

"We know that demand for passenger and cargo aviation continues to rise. So with more planes in the air, we need to cut that carbon footprint" said Marion Blakey.

The Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuel Initiative formed by many commercial and government sponsors is under way with studies to determine the feasibility, costs, technical issues and environmental benefits of alternative fuel sources. The studies are expected to be completed in September.

"We've got a lot of people pulling in the right direction. I think the best is yet to come," Mr. Blakey said.

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