Virgin Atlantic jumbo jet is first airliner to fly partially on biofuel

London: Sir Richard Branson was one happy man yesterday when Virgin Atlantic became the first airline in the world to fly a commercial aircraft on biofuel.

The passengerless Boeing 747 jumbo jet made the journey from London to Amsterdam with one of its engines powered partially by biofuel made from babassu nuts and coconut oil, ingredients that are commonly found in products like shaving cream and lip balm.

The ratio of the blend was 20 per cent biofuel and 80 per cent standard fuel, Sir Richard said at Heathrow Airport before the launch, the result of a venture between Boeing, GE Aviation and Imperium Renewables.

"There were several reasons why Virgin chose babassu nuts and coconut oil over other energy sources," Branson said.

First, unlike ethanol it did not freeze at altitudes above 30,000 feet. Second, both fuel sources did not compete with staple food crops and did not mean deforestation - they were in fact harvested from existing plantations. Third, there was no need to modify either the aircraft or the engines for the flight.

Sir Richard conceded that the biofuel was still several years away from certification, but he was confident that when that happened, it would not only mean smaller carbon footprints in the aviation industry but also cheaper airfares.

Great work!Things like these really show that we can make a difference without major investments.No need for modifications, fuel from existing plantages, and no need for massive deforestation; I say this a one great step forward for both aviation and the enviroment.My thanks to you, Richard, for putting your money into projects as these!
Richard
The Hague,Netherlands
Posted: February 26, 2008, 12:50

Let this be a very important step towards shifting the aviation fuel to alternate methods. In the midst of a growing demand of fuel due to widespread use of airlines worldwide and a hike in oil prices make this new experiment a special one. Let us hope for the early approval of bio fuel at the earliest for the well being of humanity as a whole, since it reduces pollution also.
Aunkumar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 25, 2008, 13:51

Bravo Richard! This is the way to go! As the saying goes ... nothing beats a failure but a try.
Nancy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: February 25, 2008, 08:42

It will be revolutionary step in the carbon emission curtail and a step to better world with cleaner air for breathing.
Udaya
Kathmandu,Nepal
Posted: February 25, 2008, 03:50