Virgin Atlantic to test biofuels
LONDON: Virgin Atlantic has announced a joint biofuel demonstration with Boeing, Virgin Fuels and engine maker GE Aviation, on one of its aircraft during 2008.
Further details will be announced later this year but the demonstration, using a Boeing 747-400, will be the first worldwide by any commercial airline.
The aim is to develop sustainable fuel sources suitable for commercial jet engines and the aviation industry. The demonstration forms part of Virgin Atlantic’s vision for what the aviation industry can achieve by using clean-fuel technology to reduce carbon emissions.
Boeing is also supporting the trials of towing Virgin Atlantic planes to so-called ‘starting-grids’, enabling aircraft to reduce their fuel burn and carbon emissions by up to 50% on the ground, and reduce noise emissions for local communities.
The trials, at London’s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports, as well as San Francisco, have produced significant positive results that will be used to find alternatives to traditional taxiing procedures at the world’s busiest airports.
Boeing’s involvement in reviewing aircraft technical requirements for towing will enable other airline customers to develop procedures for reducing fuel burn and emissions on the ground.
Ian Jarrett
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