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Continental flight demonstrates use of biofuels

8 Jan 2009

Continental Airlines yesterday (7 January) operated the first ever flight in North America using sustainable biofuel to power a commercial aircraft.

The demonstration, which was conducted in partnership with Boeing, GE Aviation and Honeywell, also marked the first biofuel test flight using a two-engine aircraft.

Using a fuel that blended components derived from algae and jatropha plants, the flight departed from and returned to Bush airport in Houston and lasted approximately two hours.

During the test, pilots carried out manoeuvres such as a mid-flight shutdown and restart of the engine as well as power accelerations and decelerations.

Larry Kellner, chairman and chief executive of Continental, said: 'This demonstration flight represents another step in Continental's ongoing commitment to fuel efficiency and environmental responsibility.

'The technical knowledge we gain today will contribute to a wider understanding of the future for transportation fuels.'

Billy Glover of Boeing said that Continental is helping to pioneer a 'greener, more diverse fuel supply' for the future of the aviation industry.

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