Air New Zealand publishes results of fuel flights

AIR NEW ZEALAND (ANZ) has published results of a biofuel test flight carried out at the end of last year which showed that up to 1.4 tonnes of fuel can be saved on a 12-hour long haul flight using 50/50 fuel blend of second generation jatropha sustainable biofuel and traditional Jet A1.  The test, a joint initiative between Air New Zealand, Boeing, Honeywell and Rolls-Royce, was carried out on 30 December as part of a drive for more sustainable air travel for future generations and used the highest blend of any type of biofuel in a test flight to date.  ANZ says that the report also found that the biofuel’s properties gave a saving of approximately 4.5 tonnes of CO₂.  Data from this evaluation flight programme will be published to various industry bodies to contribute to the current programme evaluating this and similar fuel products with a view to achieving approval of them as alternatives to existing Jet A1.  The first ever biofuel flight was in February 2008 by Virgin Atlantic using a 20% fuel blend.  Continental and Japan Airlines have followed in recent months. www.airnewzealand.co.nz

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