The Japanese airline, Japan Airlines (JAL), has annouced it will run a biofuel test flight before March next year. Like other carriers the airline has not specified what biofuel wiil be used for the test. However, the airline has confirmed that it will be a second-generation biofuel which will be blended with jet fuel and tested in one of the four engines of a JAL Boeing 747-300 aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney JT9D engines. The flight will, says JAL, be the first biofuel demonstration by an Asian carrier, and the first using Pratt & Whitney engines.

At an event held to Tokyo to announce the planned biofuel demonstration flight, JAL Group President & CEO Haruka Nishimatsu said, "Our participation in the search for a viable second-generation biofuel is a clear signal to everyone of our strong commitment to increasing the environmental sustainability of the JAL Group and the airline industry." He added, "For more than 15 years, our airline has been implementing a variety of measures designed to reduce and offset the impact our business activities have on the environment. Not only are we endeavouring to reduce our own footprint on the environment, but we are throwing our support and resources behind projects such as this, which will help in the wider battle against climate change and global warming."

"Supporting Japan Airlines in this biofuel trial makes both economic and environmental sense," said Boeing Japan President Nicole Piasecki. "Boeing salutes Japan Airlines" ongoing efforts to demonstrate the highest levels of environmental commitment through innovation and continuous technological improvement. Together with Pratt & Whitney, we have an opportunity to write a new chapter in our relationship, one that will help pioneer new and sustainable biofuel solutions for the good of the entire commercial aviation industry."

"We are proud to partner with Boeing and our long-time customer Japan Airlines to demonstrate the performance, safety and viability of second generation biofuels as part of our ongoing commitment to the environment," said Todd Kallman, President, Pratt & Whitney Commercial Engines.  "Pratt & Whitney is aggressively researching and testing alternative fuels for the aviation industry in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve engine efficiency and reduce airline operating costs. We look forward to working closely with JAL and Boeing as we continue this research."

The highest levels of safety will be adhered to throughout the whole biofuel flight demonstration process. Boeing will conduct a preliminary biofuel screening evaluation after which the best performing biofuel will be selected by the end of August 2008.