Jet Makes Successful Flight using Biofuel - 2/26/08

A Virgin Atlantic Boeing 747 made the world’s first biofuel powered commercial flight touching down in Amsterdam on Sunday.  The flight demonstration began from London’s Heathrow Airport.  The flight is being seen as the first step toward cleaner flying.

The project is a joint venture between plane maker Boeing and engine manufacturer GE Aviation to develop a “sustainable aircraft fuel”.   This successful demonstration will move the airline industry toward cleaner fuel sooner than expected; giving crucial information that can be used to dramatically reduce carbon emissions. 

Virgin Atlantic President Richard Branson pledged to invest all profits from its transportation companies toward developing clean energy. 

The fuel used in the demonstration is 20 percent biofuel, mix of coconut and babassu oil.  Only one of the four main tanks held this biofuel.  This type of fuel would not compete with water and food resources which has been a concern among green campaigners.  Increased use of food for fuel, some suggest could cause food shortages as more farmland is dedicated to biofuel production.  For more information on the food for fuel concern go to this link http://www.beyondfossilfuel.com/ethanol/food_oil_122807.html

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