JAL Plans Biofuel Flight

Posted on June 24, 2008
Filed Under Aerospace Industry |

The movement to find alternatives to jet fuel continues.

According to Aviation Week (6/23, Warwick, Norris), JAL “is the fifth airline to announce a biofuel demonstration.” In addition to the previously mentioned airlines, “[l]ow-cost carrier JetBlue Airways…has partnered with Airbus, A320 engine supplier International Aero Engines and Honeywell process technology company UOP to develop and test sustainable biofuel, aiming for certification by 2013.” JAL also announced that “high fuel prices are forcing it to close down its 747-400 flight training base at Moses Lake in Washington.” The company “plans to begin phasing out passenger 747s in 2009,” and will not fly cargo-oriented 747s “in sufficient numbers to warrant a special flight training section.”

The AP (6/23) added that “JAL will use a biofuel mixed with kerosene in one of four engines on the jet, with the three remaining engines powered by ordinary jet fuel or kerosene.” The company “said it plans to use a new generation of biofuel made of non-edible materials to avoid using potential food sources.”

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