SEATTLE, WA In the near future, flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) could routinely be powered with biofuel, according to officials of the Port of Seattle, Boeing, and Alaska Airlines, based on a study prepared in partnership with WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Commissioner John Creighton and Stephanie Meyn, Climate Protection Program Manager of the Port of Seattle, were joined by Ellie Wood, Regional Director of Environmental Strategy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Carol Sim, Director of Environmental Affairs for Alaska Airlines; and Project Manager David Williams of WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff, for the release of a study on the feasibility of integrating biofuels into the main fuel supply system at Sea-Tac Airport.

The study, which was performed by WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff under contract to the Port of Seattle, determined that it would be feasible to develop a biofuels infrastructure to serve the main fuel supply system at the airport, with the goal of producing a blended fuel of 20 percent biofuel and 80 percent petroleum. The feasibility study identified the technical and engineering requirements for short-term and long-term options to deliver blended biofuel to aircraft at Sea-Tac. In performing the study, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff explored such issues as site location, regulatory challenges, supply risk, fuel quality, and customer acceptance. 

In pursuing an integrated aviation biofuels supply chain, Sea-Tac will be one of the first airports in the world to offer a reliable supply of biofuels to its customers. In early 2016, Oslo Airport in Norway became the first airport to offer aviation biofuel through the airport's main fuel hydrant system. Similar to Sea-Tac, the focus on the use of biofuels at Oslo Airport was part of a larger effort in sustainability and commitments to a lower-carbon future.

The feasibility study can be found on the Port of Seattle website.