Aviation Biofuels Gain Global Attention

Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 11:58 PM ET

Verified

** The Honeywell-operated G450 as it prepares
to take off for the first trans-Atlantic flight
using biofuel.** Courtesy of Honeywell

Key Takeaways:

Biofuels are gaining significant traction in aviation, highlighted by their prominence at the Paris Air Show and considered a more viable option.
Honeywell and Boeing successfully completed transatlantic flights using biofuel blends (50/50 and 15% respectively), demonstrating reduced carbon emissions and normal aircraft operation.
The industry is moving towards biofuel adoption with preliminary commercial standards approved and agreements for large-scale production from sources like camelina by 2015.

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Biofuels were the talk of the chalet rows at this week’s Paris Air Show, taking one major step closer to becoming a viable option in the eyes of aviation leaders and the general public alike.** **

Honeywell kicked off the focus on green energy by completing the first transatlantic flight on Friday using a biofuel blend. The Honeywell-operated G450 used to make the seven-hour trip from New Jersey to Le Bourget relied on a 50/50 blend of Honeywell Green Jet Fuel and petroleum-based jet fuel. With the blend, the flight’s net carbon emissions were more than 5 metric tons lower than they would have been with traditional fuel, Honeywell said.