American aerospace manufacturer Boeing will strengthen its partnership with Japan with the opening of a new research and technology centre, the company said. The facility will focus on research and development in sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), electric and hydrogen propulsion, robotics, digitalisation and composite materials.
The installation of the new centre will expand the cooperation agreement signed in 2019 with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which aims to promote sustainable technology in the Asian country.
Additionally, Boeing became the latest member of «ACT FOR SKY», a consortium aimed at promoting, commercialising, and expanding the use of SAF produced in Japan.
The organisation is currently composed of sixteen companies. It was founded at the initiative of All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines, together with engineering company JGC Holdings Corporation and biofuel producer Revo International. According to Boeing, work will be expanded with both Japanese airlines, which have always been important customers of the manufacturer.
With the opening, Japan will become the fourth country in the region with such a facility owned by Boeing. The company currently operates similar centres in Australia, China and South Korea. The new building will be located in Nagoya, the country’s fourth most populous city. Many of Boeing’s industrial partners and suppliers have a presence there.
More research with the industry’s stated goal of «achieving net zero emissions by 2050»
«We are excited to open our latest global research and technology center here in Japan«, said Greg Hyslop, Boeing’s chief engineer and executive vice president of Engineering, Test & Technology. «It will expand upon Boeing-wide initiatives in sustainable fuels and electrification, and explore the intersection of digitization, automation and high-performance aerospace composites for greater sustainability in our future products and production systems», he added.
«To ensure the enormous societal benefits of aviation remain available for generations to come, we must continue to partner with capable innovators and leaders to support the industry’s commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050», said Chris Raymond, Boeing’s Chief Sustainability Officer.
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