GREEN ISSUES
24 Feb 08. Boeing, Virgin Atlantic and GE Aviation today will conduct the first commercial aviation flight using a sustainable biomass-to-liquid fuel mixed with traditional kerosene-based jet fuel. The biofuel flight demonstration highlights the technical feasibility of using biofuels in a commercial jetliner and is a significant step toward a long-term vision of fully sustainable, low-carbon-lifecycle fuel solutions for the aviation industry. The Virgin Atlantic 747-400 — registration GV-WOW, operating as Flt. VS811P — will fly using a biofuel blend composed of babassu oil and coconut oil provided by Seattle-based Imperium Renewables. These oils are economically and socially sustainable and can be found in everyday cosmetic products including lip balm and shaving cream. In addition, the babassu nuts and coconuts were harvested from existing, mature plantations. No modifications were made to either the aircraft or its engines to enable the flight to take place.