Airlines to hold bio-fuel demonstration

Continental Airlines and GE Aviation have announced that they will be teaming up with aircraft manufacturer Boeing to trial a new type of bio-fuel early next year.

It is hoped that the joint effort will be a major step forward for the airline industry in its bid to develop more sustainable fuel solutions, with current aircraft emissions accounting for 11 per cent of global greenhouse gases.

The bio-fuel is still in the development stages but Boeing insists it will be created with the minimum possible impact on food crops and water resources. The manufacturer's 737 - already the most energy-efficient member of its fleet - will be used in the tests.

According to Mark Moran, Continental Airlines executive vice president of operations, the bio-fuel test marks just the latest effort in a long line of drives that embody the commitment to the environment.

"Exploring sustainable bio-fuels is a logical and exciting new step," he affirmed. "Boeing and GE Aviation have been frontrunners in pioneering technology that will benefit the aviation industry, customers and the environment - and we are pleased to benefit from their expertise in this venture."

Continental Airlines recently reduced nitrogen oxide emissions from ground equipment at its Houston base by 75 per cent after switching to energy-efficient equipment.
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