Alaska Airlines, Boeing and port partner to study biofuels at Sea-Tac Airport

SEATTLE (AP) — Boeing Co., Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle are partnering on a $250,000 study to explore how to bring more biofuel to airplanes at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Executives for the companies and port signed an agreement Wednesday, saying the study will help stimulate production of alternatives to conventional jet fuel. They say the longer-term plan is to incorporate more biofuel into the airport's fuel farm, which is used by all 26 airlines.

The study will determine costs as well as what infrastructure is needed to deliver a blend of jet fuel and biofuel to airplanes. Currently, aviation biofuels are not produced in Washington state but arrive by truck, train or barge.

The port, which operates Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, will manage the study.