TOKYO: Boeing Co. and Japan’s industry ministry signed an agreement Monday to cooperate in the development of technologies for next-generation aircraft.

The same day, the major US aircraft manufacturer opened a research and development center in the central Japan city of Nagoya focusing on plant-derived sustainable aviation fuels, SAFs, and aircraft electrification, among others.

The cooperation pact comes as the aviation industry is facing a challenge to reduce carbon dioxide emissions amid growing global decarbonization efforts.

“We are in the midst of a great transformation to achieve net zero emissions that requires technical innovations in aircraft as well,” industry minister Koichi Hagiuda said at a signing ceremony in Tokyo.

In addition to its collaboration with the industry, Boeing announced that it will work with ANA Holdings Inc. and Japan Airlines for research on sustainable aircraft technologies, including electric propulsion.

Japan’s transport ministry has set a goal of having SAFs, which can also be made from waste edible oil, account for 10 pct of aircraft fuel used by Japanese airlines in 2030.

JIJI Press