Etihad claims Gulf's first biofuels flight
Originally published on www.businesstravellerme.com 25/01/2012 - Filed under: News »
Etihad Airways claims its flight from Seattle to Abu Dhabi yesterday was the first in the Gulf to be operated using sustainable biofuel.
The 14-hour flight, the delivery of the airline's newest B777-300ER, was operated using a combination of traditional and plant-based jet fuel, which is fully certified for commercial use.
James Hogan, Etihad Airways' President and CEO, said the flight marks "a significant milestone" in its efforts to support the commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel.
"However, the use of a presently available biofuel is just one part of a more comprehensive long-term biofuel strategy to ensure that we are able to use biofuels to decarbonise substantially an entire industry sector in the long term," he said.
SkyNRG, an Amsterdam-based sustainable jet fuel provider, supplied the fuel, which is based on recycled vegetable cooking oil.
As a plant-based source that has been used already for cooking purposes, it qualifies as a bio-based waste stream with a high sustainability value.
Dirk Kronemeijer, SkyNRG’s Managing Director, said the Middle East has the potential to give "a critical boost" towards making a market for sustainable jet fuel that is affordable.
"There is a lot more to come in this continent and we are determined to be there when that happens," he said.
Qatar Airways operated a commercial flight from London to Doha powered by a blend of conventional kerosene and alternative fuel GTL in October 2009 (click here).
Many other carriers have already performed biofuels flights, including Lufthansa, Iberia, Thai Airways and TAM.
For more information, visit etihad.com
Report by Dominic Ellis
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