JAL begins rice bran oil byproduct biodiesel trial at Yamagata Airport

Dhaka: Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched a demonstration project at Yamagata Airport using biodiesel fuel derived from rice bran oil production byproducts to power a baggage towing tractor.

The project began on May 28 and is scheduled to run until around the end of May 2027.

The fuel is produced from rice bran fatty acid, a non-edible byproduct of rice bran oil manufacturing. It is made by Boso Oil and Fat, a Showa Sangyo Group company, using the Ion Exchange Resin Method developed at Tohoku University. According to the partners, this marks the first airport use of biodiesel produced through this method.

JAL selected Yamagata Airport for two reasons. Its basin location creates large seasonal temperature swings, enabling testing across varied weather conditions. Its proximity to Tohoku University also allows researchers to conveniently monitor the trial.

During the demonstration, partners will evaluate tractor performance on the fuel, assess potential vehicle impacts, and examine supply reliability.

JAL already uses biodiesel from used cooking oil at 23 airports across Japan. This project explores a different feedstock sourced from a manufacturing byproduct rather than spent cooking oil.

The companies noted that as global biofuel demand rises, developing new raw material sources helps ensure stable supply and supports carbon emission reduction efforts.