Virgin Atlantic yesterday (24th February) successfuly completed a biofuel test flight using one of its Boeing 747 jumbo jets from London Heathrow to Amsterdam. The aircraft, flight number VS811P, used a biofuel composed of babassu oil and coconut oil. According to the company, no modifications were made to either the aircraft or its engines to enable the flight to take place.

Commenting on the test flight, Sir Richard Branson, the President of Virgin Atlantic, said: "Today marks a biofuel breakthrough for the whole airline industry. Virgin Atlantic, and its partners, are proving that you can find an alternative to traditional jet fuel and fly a plane on new technology, such as sustainable biofuel. This pioneering flight will enable those of us who are serious about reducing our carbon emissions to go on developing the fuels of the future, fuels which will power our aircraft in the years ahead through sustainable next-generation oils, such as algae."

In preparation for the flight, Boeing, GE Aviation and Imperium conducted extensive laboratory and static-engine testing on the ground to evaluate the energy and performance properties of the biofuel used in the flight. The Virgin Atlantic flight is the first step in a broader industry-wide initiative to commercialise alternative fuel sources for aviation and the company says it will be sharing the results with those also seeking to cut their carbon emissions in the rest of the industry.

Marlin Dailey, Boeing Commercial Airplane's Vice-President of Sales, Europe, Russia and Central Asia, added:  "Today's flight is a continuation of a journey we embarked on last year with Sir Richard and Virgin Atlantic to identify more sustainable forms of fuel for the aviation industry. Change begins with a vision. Following that, innovation and technologies are essential to proving the feasibility of renewable, alternative fuel sources for an environmentally progressive future of aviation. We commend Virgin Atlantic for their efforts to move that vision forward for the betterment of all of us."

Dr. Tim Held, Manager of Advanced Combustion Engineering at GE Aviation, for GE Aviation, commented: "The partnership between Virgin Atlantic, Boeing, GE and Imperium Renewables has advanced our understanding of biofuels for aviation applications. Prior to this historic flight, the engine ground testing conducted by GE and CFM International required no hardware modifications to the engine, and the fuels performed as expected. The team entered today's historic flight demonstration with great confidence."

John Plaza, President and CEO for Imperium Renewables commented: "We're extremely proud to have produced the fuel used today for this historic flight. A successful flight will not only validate the use of biofuels in aviation, but also provide a glimpse into the future of all fuels. Today's biojet fuel offers higher-quality standards and a more sustainable fuel than traditional jet fuel. Additionally it illustrates the potential for "second generation" biojet fuel to be even more viable in the coming years. We're committed to the aviation community and to innovating new and environmentally-friendly alternative fuels."

The results of the biofuel test flight will be analysed by Virgin Atlantic, Boeing, GE Aviation and Imperium Renewables and used for the research and development of next-generation biofuels that can help reduce carbon emissions. Boeing has said it will also use the findings from this flight in another demonstration flight later this year.

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