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Virgin Atlantic has announced that it will run a biofuel test flight in February.

The carrier will use biofuel, a power source derived from natural materials, in one of its Boeing 747 aircraft on a flight between London Heathrow and Amsterdam.

It will be the first time that a commercial aircraft has used biofuel in-flight and is part of an ongoing initiative between Boeing and a number of airlines to find a sustainable aircraft fuel for the future.

Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic, said: 'This breakthrough will help Virgin Atlantic to fly its planes using clean fuel sooner than expected.

'The demonstration flight next month will give us crucial knowledge that we can use to dramatically reduce our carbon footprint.'

Virgin Atlantic recently signed a deal to purchase 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with an option to purchase a further 28, which is Europe's largest order for the aircraft.

This plane reportedly uses nearly 30% less fuel than the Airbus A340, which it will replace in Virgin's fleet.

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