Boeing will extend its relationship with Japan by establishing a Boeing Research and Technology (BR&T) centre in the country. The facility will emphasise sustainability and support an expanded collaboration agreement with the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry of Japan (METI).

Boeing and METI have agreed to expand the scope of their 2019 Cooperation Agreement to include a focus on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), electric and hydrogen powertrain technologies, and future flight ideas that support aviation with zero climate impact.

This is in addition to investigating electric and hybrid-electric propulsion, batteries, and composite fabrication, which will enable new kinds of urban transportation.

Greg Hyslop, Boeing chief engineer and executive vice president of Engineering, Test & Technology, said: 

"We are excited to open our latest global research and technology centre here in Japan. Working with terrific partners like METI, the new centre will expand upon Boeing-wide initiatives in sustainable fuels and electrification, and explore the intersection of digitisation, automation and high-performance aerospace composites for greater sustainability in our future products and production systems."

The BR&T – Japan Research Center will be located in Nagoya, where many of Boeing's main industrial partners and suppliers are already located. The facility will increase Boeing's research and development footprint in the area, which includes facilities in Australia, China, and South Korea.

Boeing has been accepted as the newest member of ACT FOR SKY, a group of 16 firms that strives to commercialise, promote, and grow the use of SAF manufactured in Japan. It was founded by Boeing airline clients All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL), as well as global engineering firm JGC Holdings Corporation and biofuel manufacturer Revo International.

Masahiro Aika, representative of ACT FOR SKY, said: 

"ACT FOR SKY welcomes the participation of Boeing. We look forward to Boeing collaborating with the other members to "ACT" for the commercialisation, promotion and expansion of SAF in Japan."

In addition to being partners in ACT FOR SKY, Boeing has a long history of innovation with ANA and JAL in sustainable aviation, including the introduction of SAF-powered flights and the 787 Dreamliner. To minimise the carbon footprint of aeroplanes, they signed agreements to investigate advanced sustainable technologies, including electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and other new propulsion systems.

Boeing Chief Sustainability Officer Chris Raymond 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. We are humbled to join ACT FOR SKY and collaborate with other members to share global best practices and help with the scale-up and demand of SAF in Japan. And we are honoured to open the Japan Research Center and expand our work with airline customers ANA and JAL on advanced technologies to realise zero climate impact aviation."

Boeing, a global leader in the aerospace industry, designs, manufactures, and services commercial aircraft, defence goods, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. 

As a leading U.S. exporter, the company utilises the skills of its global supplier base to promote economic opportunity, sustainability, and community benefit. 

The diverse workforce at Boeing is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and developing a company culture based on its fundamental values of safety, quality, and integrity.

Source: Boeing

For more technological news