SEATTLE -There's a Chinese proverb that says: "Each generation will reap what the former generation has sown."

This is true when it comes to the importance of growing a nation's economy and creating opportunity for people and their families. It is also true when it comes to protecting the planet. The challenge, of course, is to balance these imperatives for future generations.

China has laid out a clear vision for the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015) to grow the nation's economy and protect the environment. To balance these twin goals in China's commercial aviation industry, we believe that three green technologies will be essential: More fuel-efficient airplanes; 21st-century air-traffic management systems; and the commercialization of sustainable aviation biofuel.

Linked closely to China's economic growth, commercial aviation in the nation is booming at an unprecedented rate. Last year, 267 million passengers boarded commercial airplanes in China, nearly four times as many passengers as a decade ago, and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) estimates that 1.5 billion passengers will fly in China by 2030. Boeing has estimated that Chinese airlines will need 4,330 new airplanes just to satisfy market demand.

The Boeing Co, which is the environmental leader in the commercial aviation industry, strongly believes that the future of air travel - our business - depends on our ability to be good environmental stewards. Seventy five percent of our funding for commercial research and development is tied to environmental improvements.

And Boeing has spent billions of dollars to develop the world's most fuel-efficient airplanes, the 787 and 747-8. They will use much less fuel than airplanes they replace - up to 20 percent less fuel for the 787 - which is good for airlines, passengers and the environment.

Our Chinese customers are investing in these airplanes. In early March, Air China announced the purchase of five 747-8 Intercontinentals and Hong Kong Airlines announced plans to buy 32 787s.

Chinese workers, who contribute to all of Boeing's in-production commercial programs, have a vital role in the 787 and 747-8. The 787's rudder and vertical fin leading edge and the 747-8's aileron, spoilers and inboard flaps are all made in China. And we'll continue to work closely with our Chinese partners to build tomorrow's airplanes.

To address the second green technology on my list, Boeing is leading efforts to transform air traffic management around the world. The best new navigational systems will improve fuel efficiency for all airplanes by more than 10 percent. This would be an astonishing advantage in China, where 14 new airports opened in the past two years and 45 new airports are slated to open in 2016.

While the United States and Europe are updating air traffic systems from the 1950s, China can commit to build the world's most advanced air traffic management system. This would accommodate more airplanes, allow more takeoffs and landings and support China's strong record of aviation safety.

Advanced air traffic systems reduce flight times and delays and allow airplanes to communicate directly with satellites to adjust their speed, elevation and flight path. This can save millions of pounds of fuel and carbon emissions during an airplane's lifetime and adds significant economic advantages in moving passengers and freight.

Finally, sustainable aviation biofuel - jet fuel made from plants that do not compete with food crops for land or water - is the most inspiring green technology in our industry. The plants' natural photosynthesis removes substantial amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Working with partners, Boeing has already identified sustainable aviation biofuels that perform as well as, or better than, conventional jet fuel and can be mixed directly into supplies of Jet A fuel.

China can be a global leader in bringing this new generation of fuels to market. Potential benefits include greater energy security, a new industry in China's rural regions, and better environmental health for the planet. China could be the first country to build supply chains that begin in China's rural areas and end at China's major airports.

Boeing and Chinese partners are already working closely to make this happen. Air China and Boeing, along with the National Energy Administration, CAAC and PetroChina, recently started plans on the first trans-Pacific flight using sustainable aviation biofuel. Boeing and the Chinese Academy of Sciences are working together to research and develop capabilities for aviation biofuel made from algae, which grows faster and provides higher yields per acre than any other plant.

The time frame to commercialize algae-based biofuel is forecast as 5 to 10 years. And with success, we estimate that a land area of 30,000 square kilometers - about half the size of Ningxia Hui autonomous region - could supply algae-based fuel for the entire global commercial airplane fleet. That is a revolutionary idea.

Imagine China's entire commercial air fleet fueled by a Chinese biofuel industry. Imagine every plane taking off and landing in China in the most environmentally friendly way. Imagine airplanes that push the envelope on fuel efficiency further. These are all possible

A famous Chinese proverb states: "A strong will can move the mountain." We have the will, and if we apply our commitment, partnerships and resources to develop green technologies, we'll sustain this world for generations to come.

The author is president of Boeing International at The Boeing Co.

China Daily