Air carriers agree to use synthetic jet fuel

Rentech, Inc. announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with thirteen domestic and international passenger and cargo carriers that will serve as a framework for a future definitive supply agreement for certified jet fuel from Rentech’s proposed synthetic fuels and power facility in Adams County, Mississippi (Natchez Project).

The non-binding MOU signed by Rentech and Air Canada, AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines, FedEx Express, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, Polar Air Cargo, United Airlines, UPS Airlines and US Airways includes terms that are anticipated to serve as the basis of a possible definitive purchase agreement by these carriers for the Natchez Project’s entire synthetic jet fuel production of approximately 250 million gallons per year.

Fuel based on the Fischer-Tropsch process, including Rentech’s RenJet®, is the only alternative jet fuel currently certified for use in commercial aviation at up to a 50/50 blend with traditional jet fuel.

A recent study completed by Alcorn State University concluded that the Natchez Project would create over 2,100 direct jobs and over 3,400 indirect jobs during the project’s construction phase. Once operational, the facility is expected to create over 400 high paying direct jobs and over 3,200 indirect jobs, according to the study.