29 May 2009

AirNZ test flight raises biofuel hopes

AUCKLAND - Scientific testing has found that up to 1.4 tonnes of fuel can be saved on a 12-hour long haul flight powered by a 50/50 blend of second-generation jatropha sustainable biofuel and traditional jet fuel.

The result is one of the key findings from the Air New Zealand Boeing 747-400 Rolls-Royce powered test flight in December last year.

Air New Zealand general manager airline operations and chief pilot, Captain David Morgan, announced the scientific findings from the test flight at the Eco-Aviation Conference in Washington.

The test flight, a joint initiative between Air New Zealand, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and HoneywellÃ¢â¬â¢s UOP, was carried out on December 30 as part of commercial aviation's drive for more sustainable air travel for future generations and used the highest blend of any type of biofuel in a test flight.

During the comprehensive flight test, analysis was carried out at various altitudes and under a variety of operating conditions to measure the biofuelÃ¢â¬â¢s performance through the engine and fuel systems.

A report prepared by Air New Zealand, Boeing and Rolls-Royce to analyse the data collected throughout the flight says the biofuel selected has demonstrated the potential for use as a drop in replacement to Jet A1 fuel at a blend ratio of up to 50:50.

This material now needs to be submitted for rigorous industry evaluation and approval protocol to enable it to be certified for everyday use.

Captain Morgan said the scientific findings were significant for the aviation industry, which stands at the earliest stages of sustainable fuel development.

Ã¢â¬ÅâœCertainly the data from our biofuel test flight will be a critical component towards helping biofuel become a certified aviation fuel,Ã¢â¬~ he says.