Qatar Airways invests in aviation biofuels pioneer Byogy

In Qatar, Qatar Airways is investing in the California firm Byogy Renewables, reports Bloomberg.  Chris Schroeder, a senior manager with QA is quoted as saying, “We’re looking to underwrite an investment into Byogy of up to 10 percent, coupled with an off-take agreement… This will enable the company to go into the market and look for further equity investment or other partners.”  Financial details were not given.

Byogy makes bio-jet fuel from alcohol and it is expecting ASTM approval in late 2013.  Schroeder noted that QA is hoping to have a “couple of flights to Europe by the end of 2014”, with ethanol sourced jet fuel.