Japan Airlines Launching Biofuel-Powered Test Flight
Japan Airlines will follow in the footsteps of Continental Airlines, Air New Zealand, and Virgin Atlantic Airways tomorrow when it launches an hour-long biofuel-powered test flight.
Japan Airlines will follow in the footsteps of Continental Airlines, Air New Zealand, and Virgin Atlantic Airways tomorrow when it launches an hour-long biofuel-powered test flight.
The Boeing 747-300 flight will use 50 percent jet fuel and a 50 percent biofuel blend of camelina, jatropha, and algae. During the trial, JAL will monitor engine performance during normal and non-normal flight operations (including quick accelerations and decelerations), and engine shutdown and restart.
ANZ, Continental Airlines, and JAL will compare test data and report their findings mid-year.
According to Boeing, a 50 percent biofuel blend could be certified for commercial use by 2010. A 100 percent blend could follow in 2013.