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Virgin Atlantic tests biofueled commercial jet

Posted Feb 26, 2008 at 06:26PM by Ceasar S. Listed in: Environmental Campaigns, Global Warming, Alternative Energy Tags: Boeing, global warming, Richard Branson, biofuels, Virgin Atlantic
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Virgin Atlantic tests biofueled commercial jet - Image 1


In an effort to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from a single commercial flight, an experiment was conducted pitting a biofuel concoction of both coconut and babassu oil and a commercial airliner. A Boeing 747 jet operated by Virgin Atlantic flew from London to Amsterdam for the environmental impact experiment.

Contrary to speculations, however, the Boeing 747-400 jet airline used in the test only had one of its four tanks filled with biofuel. The three other tanks were filled with commercial grade jet fuel. Additionally, officials have said that there were no adjustments made to the jet's engines or the plane itself. The corresponding engine burned the biofuel as if it were jet fuel.

Though the results themselves will take time to analyze, several critics have said that the experiment shows much promise. Even Virgin Atlantic spokesman Paul Charles was optimistic that the CO2 levels of the flight will be reduced during flight. Other airlines have also begun to take notice, after they've begun their own efforts to adopt eco-friendlier operations.

Unfortunately, the use of biofuels is still met with resistance in the scientific community. Experts in the field claim that there were many things with biofuels that remain unknown and may even add harm to the environment. Despite their opinions, Sir Richard Branson, the airline's president, said that Virgin Airways will adopt clean fuel usage "sooner than expected."

[Via Associated Press] Permalink  |   Email this  |   Linking Blogs   |   Digg It!

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