Continental Airlines plans a biofuel test flight powered by a special fuel blend including components derived from algae and jatropha plants.
The Boeing 737 flight from Houston on January 7 is being flagged as the first by a commercial carrier using algae as a fuel source.
The fuel used in one of the two CFM engines during the demonstration flight will be a blend of 50% traditional jet fuel, and 50% biofuel from algae and jatropha, described as sustainable, second-generation fuel sources that do not impact food crops or water resources, and do not contribute to deforestation.
Partners in the project include Boeing; CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of General Electric Company and Snecma (SAFRAN Group); refining technology developer UOP; and oil providers Sapphire Energy (algae) and Terrasol (jatropha).
The test flight will involve operating one engine on the special biofuel blend, including power accelerations and decelerations, in-flight engine shut-down and restart and other flight manoeuvres that include both normal and non-normal procedures, the airline said.
A post-flight engine analysis will contribute to findings which are expected to show that the biofuel blend can readily substitute regular fuel without any degradation of performance or safety, and with a net reduction in carbon emissions.
“This flight represents another step in Continental’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and identifying sustainable, long-term fuel solutions for the aviation industry,†said chairman and CEO Larry Kellner.
by Phil Davies
