Virgin Atlantic: First Airline to Fly on Biofuel Blend

February 24, 2008 – Vol. 12 No. 49

Virgin Atlantic: First Airline to Fly on Biofuel Blend.

A Virgin Atlantic 747 has flown from London Heathrow to Amsterdam to using a biofuel blend made from a mix of coconut oil, babassu oil and Jet A aviation fuel in a 20 percent bio/ 80 percent petro mix. No modifications were made to either the aircraft or its engines to enable the flight to take place. The Boeing 747 had one of its four engines connected to an independent biofuel tank. The three other engines were capable of powering the plane on conventional fuel had there been a problem.

Partners Boeing (the aircraft), GE Aviation (the engines) and Imperium Renewables (the biofuel) worked with Virgin to make the flight possible. The flight carried no passengers.

Sir Richard Branson, the President of Virgin Atlantic, said, "Today marks a biofuel breakthrough for the whole airline industry. Virgin Atlantic, and its partners, are proving that you can find an alternative to traditional jet fuel and fly a plane on new technology, such as sustainable biofuel. This pioneering flight will enable those of us who are serious about reducing our carbon emissions to go on developing the fuels of the future, fuels which will power our aircraft in the years ahead through sustainable next-generation oils, such as algae."

In preparation for today's flight, Boeing, GE Aviation and Imperium conducted extensive laboratory and static-engine testing to evaluate the energy and performance properties of the biofuel used in the flight. The Virgin Atlantic flight is the first step in a broader industry- wide initiative to commercialise alternative fuel sources for aviation. Virgin Atlantic will be sharing the results with those also seeking to cut their carbon emissions in the rest of the industry.

The results of today's biofuel flight will be analysed by Virgin Atlantic, Boeing, GE Aviation and Imperium Renewables and used for the research and development of next-generation biofuels. Boeing will use the findings from this flight in another demonstration flight later this year.

Babassu oil comes from the nuts of the babassu tree, native to Brazil. The fruit of the babassu is used in products such as drugs and cosmetics, and its leaves are used to make roofs and paper, which in turn is used to create folders, bags and soap boxes. Coconut oil is used for a variety of applications including oil for biodiesel. Most coconut plantations are mature and do not contribute to deforestation. (2/24/08)

Links:

Virgin Atlantic
http://www.virginatlantic.com

Imperium Renewables
http://www.imperiumrenewables.com

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: No