The International Air Transport Association recently outlined its commitment to environmental responsibility, which includes the use of 10 percent alternative fuels within the next eight years.

“IATA is committed to using 10 percent alternative fuels by 2017,” said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA CEO and director general. “But we need the right biofuels, those that don’t compete with food for land use or harm biodiversity, and that meet the current exacting technical specifications of jet kerosene.”

Bisignani said the recent tests performed by Air New Zealand and Continental Airlines proved that biofuels are viable. “Now we need to speed up the certification process,” he added. “The current timeline sees certification by 2013. We are challenging governments to deliver even faster—by 2010 or 2011.”

The IATA represents approximately 230 airlines across the globe, or 93 percent of scheduled international air traffic.

© 2010 BBI International