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Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI)

Objective

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The Midwest Aviation Sustainable Biofuels Initiative (MASBI) is designed to advance aviation biofuel development in a 12-states region holding significant promise for biomass feedstock, technology development, job creation and sus​tainable commercialization. MASBI will deliver a comprehensive evaluation of the region’s biofuel potential and a plan to support regional and national needs in a responsible manner.


Category
Stakeholders Action Group
Value-chain step
Full value-chain
Type of pathway
All
Starting time and duration
May 2012 -
Stakeholders
Airlines, OEM, fuel producers and suppliers
Regional scope
National
Involved countries
U.S.A.
Status
On-going
Description

​Organization stakeholders are developing a feasibility study and an action plan to advance the biofuels industry in the Midwest.


Initially, MASBI will evaluate Midwest feedstock options, commercialization requirements and opportunities, logistics and infrastructure needs, and regional policy measures. After this actionable roadmap is developed, the goal is for MASBI participants across the biofuel value chain to execute recommendations that will enable the development and commercialization of aviation biofuels.


The Steering Committee of MASBI is comprised of the following founding members – United Airlines, Boeing, Honeywell’s UOP, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Clean Energy Trust.


MASBI’s Advisory Council includes national leaders in advanced biofuels, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of the Navy, other Federal agencies, non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.

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Partners

​United Airlines, Boeing, Honeywell’s UOP, the Chicago Department of Aviation and the Clean Energy Trust​


Achievements to date

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To date, MASBI’s 40+ stakeholders have completed the research phase of the initiative and the five working groups (feedstock, technology, logistics, policy, commercialization, and logistics) are currently in the process of synthesi​zing their completed research and are beginning to draft the outline for the final report. The report will include a detailed analysis towards establishing a commercial aviation biofuels roadmap for the Midwestern United States.


Contact information

  • ​ www.masbi.org 
  • Contact person: Meg Whitty; Margaret.whitty@united.com ​