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Virgin Atlantic has claimed that airlines and manufacturers must be prepared to innovate if carbon emissions are to be reduced in the aviation industry.

A spokesman for the airline said that, while aviation is only a small contributor to climate change, it still has a responsibility to research and develop alternatives to current fuels and technologies.

'It's hugely important to innovate and to show what can be done to combat climate change,' said Paul Charles, director of communications at Virgin Atlantic.

'Aviation is a small contributor to climate change and the industry needs to show what can be done. It's extremely important to find new clean fuel and new technologies which will help to reduce carbon emissions.'

Virgin Atlantic is pursuing a partnership with Boeing and engine maker GE to investigate various initiatives that could help reduce emissions, one of which is the use of biofuel, a power source derived from natural materials.

The airline plans to hold a test flight using biofuel in the first half of 2008, details of which will be announced later this year.

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