As promised in their earlier news releases, Virgin Atlantic said they would use a sustainable fuel made from feedstock not normally used for food products. Both coconut oil and babassu oil are used in cosmetic products, lip balm and other such applications. The raw materials were harvested from existing, mature plantations in Brazil.

Sir Richard Branson, president of Virgin Atlantic is quoted as saying,

“Today marks a biofuel breakthrough for the whole airline industry, Virgin Atlantic nd its partners have proved that you can find an alternative to
traditional jet fuel and fly a plane on 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.”

There was wide speculation that an algae-based biofuel would be used in the test, but that, of course, proved false even though Virgin Atlantic hinted strongly at the possibility.

According to Radio Netherlands the Boeing 747 landed at Amsterdam’s Schipol airport after a successful flight.

Engineers will now study results of tests taken during the trip to determine if sustainable biofuels will fit into commercial aviation and lessen CO2 emissions.

Not everyone agrees, however, that biofuels will “fly”, as noted here by  Pem Charnley, contributor to Green Options’ EcoWorldly blog.  His feelings are outlined here, Pies in the Sky.

Source

Nuts picked from Amazon rainforests help fuel the world’s first commercial airline flight powered by renewable energy.

More on this development at Gas 2.0 and EcoWorldly. 

What’s that in the sky. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s biofuel.

I’m never that sure about Sir Richard Branson. (Why is he a knight? Knights save maidens, atop steeds, in shiny metal suits, the backdrop a castle with billowing flags and things. Knights don’t run record labels. Ah, he signed the Sex Pistols. I take it all back.)

Hang on a moment. The Pistols fought the establishment. Their sarcasm on God Save the Queen is legendary. Knighthoods are provided by the queen. You see?

I’m not that keen on biofuels either. A mixed blessing isn’t good enough, when we have the winds, tides and sunlight to power our future.

So from the Sex Pistols to biofuelled flight in one very seamless career move. The knight of the realm runs a company called Virgin, which in turn runs an oft-derided train service and also an airline. Oh yes, fingers in very many pies.

And today, the BBC announce that:

“The first flight by a commercial airline to be powered partly by biofuel is to take off from London. Billed as a green fuel breakthrough, the Virgin Atlantic flight to Amsterdam will not have any passengers on board.”

The thinking’s all askew. Don’t line your pockets with biofuel. Don’t semi-alleviate guilt with flight traffic powered by something other than kerosene.

Behavioural change. Proper solutions. Not press coverage.

You see the moon and sun up there in the sky? They provide our cleaner future. Not aeroplanes.

A little bit more research Mr Scientist. A little bit more funding Mr Politician. We’ll get there.

The BBC banned the Sex Pistols despite being number one in the charts with that song I’ve just mentioned. You see, it was the queen’s jubilee. More people were taking notice of a punk record than royalty. The establishment all got a bit nervous.

Not as nervous as I am with biofuels.

Image Source

Flickr

Further Reading

Max Lindberg always gives a knowledgable critique.

It was first reported in January that Virgin Atlantic would test flight a Boeing 747 jetliner using a biofuel, without naming the fuel. An algae-derived biofuel was, however, mentioned as a strong possibility for the flight between London Heathrow airport and Amsterdam. The plane will carry a limited flight crew and no passengers.

Next, an official of the UK Department of Transport claimed in a document leaked to Flight International that a 20% mixture of algae biofuel and regular jet fuel will be used in one engine for the test.

The latest comes from a Boeing official who said, in an interveiw with Flight at the Singapore air show, the Virgin Flight will definitely not use algae-derived biofuel in the test. Instead, a first-generation feedstock, such as soy, canola, babassu or palm oil will be the source of the biofuel.

The use of a hydrogenated fuel would, as one expert put it, “be a good demonstration of proof of concept.” He did say, however, that algae will be considered as a fuel source in the future.

Well, whatever they use, it’ll be a first for the commercial aviation industry. An Airbus 380 flew with a gas-to-liquid biofuel a few weeks ago, proving that a biofuel was an option, but in their case it was a fuel derived from fossil deposits.

The test is slated for the end of February, so we’ll know soon what fuel was used in the flight.

Related Posts:
Airbus A380 First to Fly With Alternative Fuel
Chevron Backs Solazyme’s Algae Biodiesel Production Process (+Video)

In January, Virgin announced it would conduct the test flight, and only hinted at the use of an algae-based biofuel for the test. Flight quoted a document verifying the use of the algae biofuel, and indicated there were no fears of a miscue during the flight.

A limited crew will fly the empty 747 from London’s Heathrow Airport to Amsterdam. Following the flight, officials said the aircraft’s fuel system will be completely flushed as a precaution to remove any residual biofuel. The engine being used is said to be due for a major overhaul after the test.

Airbus used a gas to liquid fuel, derived from natural gas, in its flight from Filton, UK to Toulouse, France in mid January.

Developers of algae-based biofuels say they can tweak certain varieties of algae to produce a fuel that would power a jet engine without using it as an additive. Pond scum seems to have gained dignity and appears headed for a real future.

Related Posts:
Airbus A380 First to Fly With Alternative Fuel
Chevron Backs Solazyme’s Algae Biodiesel Production Process (+Video)

Interestingly, sources were specific that the biofuel used will be from a very sustainable source, but not one that would compete with food or fresh water sources. Algae is mentioned several times in the story.

Certain varieties of algae have been identified as a possible feedstock, which contains a much higher energy content than oilseeds and can be far less demanding on the environment.

The engine to be used in the test, GE’s CF6, will not require any modification for the flight, and the use of biofuel is not expected to have a negative effect on the engine’s performance or range.

Virgin Atlantic recognises how important it is for all companies to understand the impact of the products they use, both on the environment and on the people producing them. So, we're proud to support Fairtrade, which guarantees farmers a fair price for their product, and are really pleased that our passengers will benefit from a comprehensive range of Fairtrade teas and coffees onboard our flights.

Virgin Atlantic made the decision to offer Fair Trade as a part of their business sustainability strategy. Serving Fair Trade is part of the step to provide more "ethical, environmental and sustainable products." The airline is also putting their fleet on a diet, creating leaner planes that require less fuel. They have begun replacing older planes with the new Dreamliner, which burns 27% less fuel. The new Boeing plane was unveiled earlier this summer and it's composition is high in carbon fiber rather than the traditional aluminum, reducing it's weight and therefore fuel requirements. Virgin Atlantic continues to search better ways to fly, with a 3 billion investment from Virgin's transportation profits to find renewable energy initiatives and using biofuels in flight. Last year Virgin unveiled a plan to build a starting grid at airports. This holding area would be close to the runway and consist of several parking bays. The result would mean the plane could be towed closer to the runway before take-off and thereby reduce the time the massive engines idle.