TAM Airlines has increased its viability study on a value chain of agricultural cultivation, industrial handling, and large-scale distribution of a new renewable and effective fuel option for aviation. It relates to a sustainable biokerosene production project, manufactured from several raw materials, among them the Jatropha curcas seeds.

TAM’s Technological Unit, located in the city of Sao Carlos (close to Sao Paulo, Brazil), currently has an area for the experimental cultivation of Jatropha curcas, where varieties of the plant are being tested for further uses in commercial cultivation. The oil from the seed, harvested in several regions of Brazil, and processed in to biokerosene, was the source of the fuel used in the successful experimental TAM flight in November 2010, at a 50% blend with conventional kerosene.

The study, developed by TAM and JETBIO, includes and involves partners such as Air BP, Airbus, Rio Pardo Bioenergia, potential refineries, engineering firms, and Yale University, which conducted a lifecycle analysis of several raw materials to compare emissions footprint and the impact of using the earth as a production chain for conventional kerosene.

“We have reached a new stage of the project. Our Jatropha curcas cultivation unit already conducts technical and economical viability studies to start the implementation of an integrated value chain in Brazil. With this cooperative work, we intend to accumulate technical, infrastructural, production-scale, and commercial-viability knowledge on biokerosene,” explains Paulus Figueiredo, TAM Airlines’ Energy Manager.

In order to be used partially and gradually in commercial flights, the energy alternative for aviation requires a guarantee of business development, from the agricultural production to the fuel distribution in the airports. For such, the companies decided to conduct economic viability and sustainability support studies for production. Bio Ventures Brasil, affiliated to JETBIO, works in Jatropha curcas commercial production development, sponsored by a fund supported by the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank). Other important sponsors of the project are Airbus and Air BP.

“The outcomes of the studies will help us to calculate the environmental, social, and economic impacts of widely using biokerosene from Jatropha curcas and other sources. In the end, the investment can be translated into another achievement for the aviation industry, with the minimisation of carbon emissions and fulfilment of international targets in regard to the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable aviation fuel,” says Figueiredo.

IATA (International Air Transport Association) expects to see the substitution of 10% of the total fuel used by aviation companies worldwide, with renewable energy options by 2017.

The next stage of the Jatropha curcas biofuel project is the evaluation and screening for the best varieties of the plant, which will be the basis for the expansion of the cultivation areas. Besides the experimental cultivation plot in the city of Sao Carlos, Bio Ventures Brasil, together with Rio Pardo Bioenergia, has already developed plantations in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Should the productivity be satisfactory, it can be expanded by up to 30,000 hectares. Bio Ventures expects to start the commercial production of biokerosene in 2014.

TAM Airlines operates direct flights to 43 destinations in Brazil and 19 cities in Latin America, the United States and Europe. Through agreements with companies in Brazil and abroad, TAM's network encompasses 92 airports in Brazil and a further 92 international destinations, including in Asia. The company was founded in 1976 with the promise to its passengers to offer a high quality service at competitive prices. In its first 35 years, celebrated in July 2011, TAM has established itself as one of the Brazil’s leading airlines, with a domestic market share of 39,6% in October 2011. TAM is also the country's leading carrier among Brazilian airlines that operate international routes, with an 88,5% market share in October 2011. With the largest passenger aircraft fleet in Brazil (156 planes), TAM offers customer service manifested by its ‘Spirit to Serve’ initiative that seeks to make air travel more accessible to the general public. TAM was the first Brazilian airline to offer a loyalty program; TAM Fidelidade, which today has 8.9 million members, has already issued more than 18 million tickets in exchange for points and is part of the Multiplus network. Since May 2010, TAM has been a full member of the Star Alliance – the world's largest airline alliance – with its network of over 1,290 destinations across 189 countries.